City parking/City of Kelowna

By Vernon Matters Staff

Free parking

Kelowna council approves free on street parking for veterans

Oct 1, 2025 | 10:57 AM

Kelowna City Council has approved a new program allowing vehicles with British Columbia veteran licence plates to park for free at on-street spaces throughout the city.

Council received a report from the Parking Services branch recommending the change and authorized a simple, time-restricted system to give veterans complimentary access to city parking.

Under the new system, veterans will register their plate numbers, names, and basic contact information with the city once the bylaw is adopted. Staff say the registration requirement could be waived if ICBC provides a direct list of veteran plates.

Time limits will still apply to ensure turnover of parking spaces near businesses. Staff expect the program to be operational by mid October, in time for Thanksgiving, with full implementation ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11.

City officials estimate the initiative will cost less than $50,000 in lost annual revenue. A press release and updates to the Parking Services web pages will provide instructions for veterans on how to register their plates.

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Officials say the program is intended to recognize the service and sacrifices of veterans while improving access to on-street parking across Kelowna.