No extra free hour for downtown Perth parking

Desmond Devoy

December 17, 2012

A plan to extend free, complimentary Christmas parking in downtown Perth by an hour has been defeated in spite of one councillor’s efforts.

“In keeping with the season in the town of Perth and to encourage people outside of the town of Perth to come in and shop here, for the month of December,” the hours have been extended, said Coun. Jim Boldt, to encourage people to shop local.

“I know that we declined it in the past,” said Coun. Beth Peterkin. “Last year we received a late request from the Chamber of Commerce which we accommodated, with some challenges,” which was why the Christmas parking program was rejected in 2011.

“At Christmas time, you’ve got a list this long,” said Boldt. “In order to get them to spend money downtown…if you have complimentary parking down here, people will stay here.”

Ultimately, Boldt was the only councillor to vote in favour of the idea during the committee-of-the-whole meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4, with all other councillors voting against it.

“We already decided not to do this,” said Coun. Judy Brown. “We are well into the Christmas shopping season. How do you let people know about it? In order for it to be effective, it needs to be advertised extensively.”