Downtown businesses are being asked whether they support a switch to two-hour parking in the city’s core.
Currently the majority of the downtown is covered by a one-hour parking limit. Last year, however, the city authorized a six-month trial period of two-hour parking in the 100 and 200 block of Hudson Avenue.
“The intent was to improve parking for customers, enabling them to enjoy the various shops and services downtown has to offer without fear of receiving a parking ticket. It was also intended to encourage tourists to take time to explore our downtown. Getting a parking ticket can leave a bad taste in their mouths and a reluctance to revisit our downtown,” says a statement by Downtown Salmon Arm.
The six-month trial period ends Jan. 31.
The city is now wanting to know how effective the change has been on the downtown before considering any further action. Downtown Salmon Arm is conducting a survey and notes that if there is insufficient response or strong opposition, the one-hour limit will be reinstated.
If the trial is deemed a success, or their is interest by the businesses for further study, there will be a request made to the city to apply two-hour parking to the entire downtown for a one-year term.
The deadline for surveys is midnight Friday, Jan. 31. Surveys can be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQ3DS7S. Copies can also be obtained by emailing events@salmonarmdowntown.com, or by calling 250-832-5440.