By Pete McIntyre

Latest effort to get free parking downtown

Mar 12, 2020 | 5:37 AM

A local realtor is behind an online petition to get free two-hour parking in downtown Vernon.

Matt MacLaren said many businesses are suffering because of people having to plug parking meters, which he says are a deterrent to shoppers.

“Think how much more money can go into the Vernon economy if it’s not being spent at meters or on parking tickets. What a town it could become,” he said on change.org.

MacLaren, who is directing the petition at Mayor Victor Cumming, is suggesting free two-hour parking, where parking times are monitored by bylaw officers.

“Offering free parking days downtown is not enough to have a sustainable increase in traffic downtown. Telling people to download an “app” to park is just adding an extra step to what should be a seamless process,” he said.

Charger rollout

Phased approach planned for EV chargers at Vernon ALC

Apr 24, 2026

Secondary Dwellings

Coldstream considering more housing on agricultural lands

Apr 24, 2026

Wildfire Risks

Okanagan's Fire Danger Rating already up to Moderate

Apr 23, 2026

The petition on change.org had generated about 200 supporters as of Wednesday afternoon.

“If you take Anderson Way in Vernon as an example, many of the businesses are thriving, because of the amount of parking, all free for those who shop in that district of Vernon,” MacLaren said.

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments