REGINA - Regina is proposing a change to the hours of paid parking downtown.
A motion for the upcoming April 2nd executive committee meeting proposes a change to the Regina Traffic Bylaw, reducing the hours of paid parking to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
This would be a one-hour difference from the current procedures, which extend until 6 p.m.
The motion notes that downtown businesses are recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.
"To support local businesses and encourage more visitors and activity downtown, the City is exploring strategies to boost vibrancy and economic growth in the area," the motion noted.
By stopping paid parking by 5 p.m., the city notes it gives residents options to stay downtown after work without added costs.
The financial impact of reducing the paid parking hours is estimated to be $39,000 per year, while revenue from parking fines for expired meters is expected to drop by $70,000 annually.
With these losses, city administration will direct resources to "Bus Lanes and No Stopping or No Parking zones."
Fines from the parking zones are expected to offset the costs.
