The City of Yellowknife is proposing to increase the parking meter fee by $.25 on the dollar. So for 1 hour you would pay $1.25 rather than the old $1 an hour. Mayor Gord Van Tighem has some good points for defending the increase, “We think that $1.25 from $1 is not a huge increase and it still keeps us below Whitehorse, which is the one I looked at as a comparison.” and “Parking meter increases that go in, half of that goes to the downtown development committee and we give it out as grants.”

Readers, residents, workers, businesses, I want to know what your thoughts on this are. It does not seem to be that big of deal to most. To be honest, most of the time I drive downtown in the middle of the day I can never find a parking spot, which is another issue in its self. I can see how it might be a little less convenient now that you have to carry that “extra” quarter, but then again is that really a big deal.

How do you feel about how the money is spent? Although I do not know much more than what the Mayor said to NNSL, which is where those quotes come from, I was pleased to find out that at least half stays downtown and goes towards grants. That is something I will need to look into as it spikes my interest and I’m sure not many other people know about. Although I’m sure it will be used as an excise if it hasn’t already, but do you think the $.25 increase will encourage more drivers to walk, car pool or use public transit?

Please share your thoughts and join in the discussion in the comment section below.