May 9, 2008
(Red Deer, Alberta) – Parking rates downtown increase starting June 2 in hopes of motivating people to walk a block and save money.
Many parking stalls a block away from the downtown are empty for most of the day with very high demand for parking stalls on Gaetz Avenue, Ross Street and 49 Street. “This increase is meant to encourage those visiting downtown all day to park outside the immediate downtown core. It will make parking more accessible for consumers and motorists who need to move in and out of downtown Red Deer throughout the day,” said Fred Dieno, City of Red Deer Parking Liaison.
Motorists will see increased rates in some City owned parking lots and at on street parking meters downtown.
Starting June 2, parking at two-hour restricted on street parking meters downtown will cost 75 cents per hour, an increase of 25 cents per hour. Parking at two-hour unrestricted on street parking meters outside the downtown core will cost 60 cents per hour, an increase of 10 cents per hour. Parking at eight-hour unrestricted parking meters will remain unchanged at 50 cents per hour.
Rates will also increase in some City owned parking lots. Lot P4 beside the Uptown Cinema and lots P5 and P6 beside the downtown RCMP will increase 25 cents to 75 cents per hour. Lot P2 near Prairie Office; P3 behind Ranchers Valley Hotel; and P9 on the corner of 46 Street and 51 Avenue will increase 10 cents to 60 cents per hour. The remaining lots in and around the downtown core will remain 50 cents per hour.
“We encourage people to walk a block and save,” said Dieno. “Motorists and people who work downtown can save anywhere from 25 cents to $2 per day when they park outside the downtown core.”
City Council approved increased parking fees as part of the 2008 budget process in January. “It is about creating an accessible downtown; one that is vibrant and inviting for all citizens,” said Dieno.
On street parking meters will accept coins and the Red Deer Parking Card. Off street parking pay stations at City owned parking lots accept coins, parking cards and credit cards.
Preloaded parking cards are available at City Hall Cashiers in $10, $20 and $50 denominations. A one-time $5 dollar fee is also charged the first time you purchase a card. After the initial purchase, cards can be exchanged or reloaded in the same denomination. Cards can be loaded up to $120.
Parking fees are in effect Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with free parking available Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
More information, including a map of the paid parking zones, is available on The City’s website at http://www.reddeer.ca/paidparking.
 Downtown Paid Parking Zone Map - effective June 2, 2008
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For more information, please contact:
Fred Dieno
Parking Liaison
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8287
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