A major headache has been resolved for anyone parking in downtown Vernon.
The City of Vernon has replaced parking meter mechanisms that allow the devices to accept all Canadian quarters, $1 and $2 coins.
“Previously, about 200 parking meters were not able to be modified to accept the new $1 and $2 coins minted after 2012,” said Clint Kanester, bylaw compliance manager.
“While the meters were marked to indicate this problem, the city recognized that this was confusing for many residents, and is committed to providing greater clarity and convenience when it comes to parking control in the downtown core and elsewhere in Vernon.”
Metered parking, with a maximum time limit of two to four hours as indicated on the meter, is in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
The city’s current parking rate matches nearby cities such as Penticton and Kamloops. Kelowna recently adopted an hourly rate of $1.25.
“Time limitations are in effect to ensure that there is turnover of parking, and that spaces become available for new users,” said Kanester.
“However, extended hourly or daily parking at reduced rates is available in the downtown parkade, as well as at the city’s CSB parking lot. Free parking is available Saturdays and Sundays in the city’s CSB lot and 29th Avenue parking lots and the parkade.”
