The City of Maple Ridge is considering free weekend parking in its underground lot to support festivals, events and economic development this spring and summer.
Staff told council this change would boost foot traffic in the town centre, increase the length of visits, encourage greater participation in events, more shopping, and restaurant stops.
The loss of revenue would be an estimated $35,000.
The proposal is to waive parking rates on weekends from April 1 until Oct. 31. Council discussed the matter on April 1, and it will be back at a future meeting for a decision.
Mayor Dan Ruimy explained it's better for the city to forego a small amount of parking revenue, if it encourages visitors to the commercial district to keep shopping or buy meals, rather than returning to their car to avoid a parking ticket. He said it would be an asset to the regular Saturday morning Haney Farmers Market, which runs from April 26 to Oct. 25, and numerous events in Memorial Peace Park and the civic centre.
"Having free parking on the weekends encourages people to come downtown," said the mayor.
The lot has 489 parking spaces, with 89 reserved. It serves patrons to the Leisure Centre, The Act, the library and the area. The first hour has been free on weekends, with additional hours costing $1, or the daily rate is $4.
