YORKTON - Yorkton Council approved a series of free parking days in the downtown, but only in the city’s downtown parking lots.
The free parking has become an annual thing, explained Nicole Baptist – Bylaw & Safety Supervisor, with the city at the regular meeting of Council Monday.
“To encourage business activity in the downtown area of Yorkton, Council has historically offered forms of free parking in the downtown during the holiday season,” she told Council.
Council has the authority to establish free parking provisions for a period of time identified by resolution, noted Baptist.
In the past it was a Christmas season undertaking but as part of the Downtown Parking Review 2021, it was recommended that additional “Free Parking” days be provided annually to encourage shopping local, said Baptist.
The recommendation passed unanimously was that Council offers free parking access to the four Multi Space Pay Station Parking Lots and the Permit Parking lots located on Myrtle Avenue, Betts Avenue, First Avenue and Second Avenue for the following dates:
* December 9-27, 2024
* February 10-14, 2025
* April 14-18, 2025
* June 30-July 4, 2025
* August 25-29, 2025
* October 27-31, 2025 .
The decision does have a cost to the city.
“Anytime that the City is offering free parking in our downtown parking lots we will lose revenue. Based on previous revenues, we anticipate a loss of approximately $60 per week that we offer free parking. Should we opt to move forward with the proposed dates, Administration anticipates a loss of approximately $450,” explained Baptist.
