Beginning September 8th, parking is free for a maximum of two hours once per day, Monday through Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at on-street metered spots in the downtown core. The initiative is a one-year pilot, intended in part to draw more people into Guelph’s downtown core.
The pilot comes after a best practices review undertaken in response to a motion by City Council to investigate the concept of two-hour free on street parking downtown. Free parking is often considered one of many tools of downtown revitalization that may help to attract investment to a city’s core.
“Free downtown parking has been talked about for several years. This one-year pilot will give us the opportunity to assess its impacts and determine whether a permanent policy change would be beneficial to our city,” said Mayor Karen Farbridge.
Parking staff will be monitoring various aspects of the pilot to monitor its success. In the meantime, motorists can still expect to see meters on downtown streets, but they have all been outfitted with a guard so as not to accept payment.
Audrey Jamal, General Manager of the Downtown Guelph Business Association (DGBA) welcomes the pilot in downtown Guelph. “This program represents an opportunity to revitalize the city’s core through attracting new customers, tourists and businesses downtown.”
Drivers who require long-term or frequent parking should use a municipal parking lot, where payment is required between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.