The city of Penticton has hired parking ambassadors to help navigate the new and controversial pay parking in downtown Penticton.
Rob and Anthony, the city’s newest employees, are going around to businesses and asking for feedback and concerns with the new pay parking that took effect on Main Street in May.
They are also helping people who may be having trouble finding the pay stations, which are located on the ends of each block.
The pair said they will be around town offering information and assistance for at least the next four weeks, with the possibility of their duties being extended until the end of the summer.
All the feedback they hear from the paying public and from local businesses will be brought back to the city.
“We have been hearing that seniors and those with mobility issues are finding the distance of the pay stations to be an issue,” said Rob.
One piece of information that they are trying to share with everyone is that veterans and drivers with a handicap sticker or sign do not need to pay for parking.
“We are really trying to get the message out that if you have veteran plates or a handicap sign, you don’t pay for parking,” said Anthony.
Also they are letting people know where the free, 10-minute curbside pick-up parking spots are located on Main.
They are also handing out the Passport Canada app brochures to encourage people to use the app so they don’t have to walk to the stations to pay.
The smallest coins you can use in the machines are five cents. Minimum credit card payments have been changed from $2 to 50 cents as of June 15.
Rob said he an Anthony have probably put in six kilometres per day of walking for their new jobs.
“So far, people seem to appreciate us being here,” he said.
READ MORE: Petition against pay parking grows
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