Kamloops council to consider numerous changes to parking rates, times

“Feedback [will be] incorporated into the overall scoring matrix for the competitive bid,” the report added.

“Emerging parking issues and related mitigation strategies have been identified and are organized by the Downtown and North Shore Study Areas. Staff are proposing to bring forward the required bylaw amendments to a future council meeting.”

Downtown Parking Changes

The most significant of the changes being proposed is around on-street parking between the 100-and 800-blocks of Victoria Street downtown.

Staff are proposing a rate of $2 per hour for the first two hours and $4 for the third and final hour, instead of the current $1.25 per hour for the first two hours and $2.50 for the third hour.

On-street parking rates at all other metered locations downtown will increase to $1.50 per hour for the first two (instead of $1.25) and $3 for the third hour (up from $2.50).

Parking fines are also set to double from the current $40 for expired time or lack of payment to $80, if paid within 30 days. Fines for serious parking violations like obstructing a fire hydrant or crosswalk will double from $50 to $100.

Proposed changes to parking rates downtown. (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)

Rates at city-owned surface lots on Lorne Street, Heritage House, Sandman Centre and the Riverside Park tennis courts will increase by $10 per month. The city says the increase is needed so it can “remain competitive” with private lots, adding the rates are still below the average monthly rate ($80) for a surface lot in Kamloops.

While there are no fee increases being proposed for the Lansdowne and Seymour parkades, the city says metered parking both on-street and in surface lots will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

At present, payment is required at on-street meters from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, while surface lot meters are in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

The City also says there will be additional enforcement to ensure that people aren’t using an on-street parking space for the entire day.

“[It is] intended to encourage higher turnover by increasing the penalties associated with ignoring time limited parking restrictions,” the report said.

“Now that the [Community Services Division] team is fully staffed, it is easier to implement an enforcement strategy that enables officers to educate, encourage and, when necessary, enforce compliance, helping ensure regular parking turnover in business districts.”

Event And Other Parking

A new $20 flat rate is also being proposed for events like Kamloops Blazers games and concerts. This rate would come into effect one hour before doors open for the event and it would apply to:

Lorne Street parking lots adjacent to Sandman Centre
Tournament Capital Ranch designated overnight camping spaces
McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre designated overnight camping spaces

“This pricing approach is intended to incentivize attendees to save money by choosing alternative transportation methods or parking in spaces that are not as close to the venue,” the report said.

“There will be no impact on the dedicated accessible parking spots on Lorne Street for accessible parking use, which are available at no charge to individuals with accessible parking permits.”

Overview of the majority of metered parking locations in downtown Kamloops. (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)

The city also intends to use money from the Provincial Housing Capacity Building Grant to tweak its residential parking permit program to “address the evolving needs of growing business districts.” Essentially, the change would aim to ensure that people don’t take away spots from residents by parking on residential streets to avoid paying.

It’s a common practice around stadiums and arenas in major cities that are located in more residential areas.

“As Kamloops continues to experience record population growth, concerns are increasing regarding parking and parking management in business districts and the adjacent residential areas,” the report said.

“The province has removed the city’s authority to require off-street parking for residential developments in transit-oriented areas. This change may present challenges for visitors or new residents who primarily rely on personal vehicles.”

There is also a proposal to implement paid parking at all city-owned boat launches — McArthur Island, Pioneer Park and Valleyview — to help pay for maintenance and to ensure there is adequate parking for vehicles with trailers.

While no hours were mentioned, these parking rates will be $5 for a half day and $10 for a full day.

According to the city, the Community Services Division is still working with the Transportation Division to address issues around insufficient disabled parking spots and insufficent loading zones for commercial vehicles.

North Shore Parking

At this time, there are no plans to implement paid parking on the North Shore of Kamloops, though that is expected to change in the future.

According to the city, the biggest short-term issues identified on the North Shore were the designation of space and limited on-street parking in certain areas.

“Mitigation measures will focus on space allocation and designation during the redevelopment of the Tranquille corridor,” the report said. “Additional strategies could include increased enforcement and introducing time-limited parking, pay parking and a residential parking permit program.”

The city also noted once the residential parking permit program is redefined, it will work on strategies to implement pay parking on the North Shore.

“The proposed expanded or revamped residential parking permit program would be considered with the proposed implementation of pay parking on the North Shore,” the report said.

Implementation Plan

At Tuesday’s committee meeting, council is being asked to allow staff to begin work to amend a number of bylaws to incorporate the proposed changes to parking rates, fines and times. Like with all bylaw changes, those amendments will need to be approved by council before it can take effect.

Council is also being asked to allow staff to use grant funding to work on other short-term changes that were identified in the study.

If council approves the changes, staff expect to implement the changes to parking in three phases.

Phase 1 will include the adjustment to parking rates, fines and the introduction of paid parking at boat launches. It’s expected to be done in alignment with the city’s procurement process as “the current parking machines are outdated and cannot be easily reprogrammed.”

Phase 2 will include a review of the existing residential parking permit program and the implementation of any recommendations that are identified. Phase 3 would then focus on bringing paid parking to the North Shore.

According to the city, the proposed changes are expected to lead to an additional $345,000 in revenue in the 2026 budget. That money may be used to offset taxation requirements while also bolstering the city’s Parking Reserve Fund.

While there is no mention of costs to replace existing parking meters, no personnel changes are anticipated at the moment. However, the report notes additional full-time equivalents (FTEs) may be required if current staffing levels are insufficient to “support an effective parking enforcement program.”

by Victor Kaisar

Kamloops council to consider numerous changes to parking rates, times

Downtown Parking Changes

Event And Other Parking

North Shore Parking

Implementation Plan

Our Community