Beginning April 1st, parking throughout the City of Owen Sound’s downtown core will be complimentary.

The new complimentary parking initiative is a partnership between the downtown merchants and the City of Owen Sound aimed to better encourage residents and tourists to experience all of the wonderful things downtown Owen Sound has to offer.

“I hope that the new complimentary parking system entices more people to explore and browse the many unique shops, restaurants and services offered in Downtown Owen Sound,” stated Owen Sound DIA Chair, Dave Parsons. Parsons continued, “the Complimentary parking initiative should promote retention and growth of business and the Owen Sound DIA Board of Management looks forward to continuing to work with the City of Owen Sound in promoting the Downtown!”

Parking is complimentary for a maximum of two hours on all streets in the downtown core while municipal lots are complimentary up to a maximum of five hours. Monthly parking passes for long-term parking in municipal lots, over five hours per day are available at City Hall at a cost of $30 per month and $20 after the 15th of each month.

Decals informing drivers of the complimentary parking will be installed on all parking meters while new signage indicating the change in the parking system will be installed in place of existing signage.

“Owen Sound’s downtown is vibrant, historic and one-of-a-kind shops, services and experiences,” says Mayor Ian Boddy. “We are optimistic about this new opportunity for residents and visitors in our downtown core and encourage everyone to experience what our downtown has to offer.”

source: media release, City of Owen Sound