Image: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Dylana Kneeshaw

PARKING DOWNTOWN

Parking study shows enough spots in Downtown Kamloops, but KCBIA wants consistent enforcement

Nov 2, 2023 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — A new parking management study from city staff was recently brought before Kamloops council. And the downtown business association says while there are enough parking stalls for now, work could be done to maintain a better flow of vehicles in and out of the business sector.

Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA) Executive Director Howie Reimer says the study pointed out the potential loss of parking spots as more developments are built. But it also brought up that spots are currently available, with the parkades being under-utilized.

“The parking study indicates that there is not a problem, there’s not a shortage of inventory as far as parking is concerned downtown today. But tomorrow and the next few years could be an issue,” he explains. “Some of the businesses agree with that statement and some of the businesses don’t.”

Reimer reiterates that both the downtown and North Shore sectors would like to see more consistent ticketing for parking violations to deter cars from taking up spots for too long.

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Downtown Kamloops is also hoping to encourage visitors to embrace the idea of a short walk to shop, after parking a block or two away.

“If you’re going to park 100 yards away in a Costco parking lot, why wouldn’t you park a street or two over from your destination? That’s a process which we think some marketing and messaging is really important,” says Reimer. “But we want to make sure that we have those accessibility spots, and we want to make sure that we do have parking available for businesses in front.”

Staff will be bringing the report recommendations back to council for approval at a later date and in the meantime, Reimer says the associations plans to review the full study and gather business feedback for the city of consider.