The city could once again be serving up a program that cancels parking tickets for those picking up takeout food at Barrie restaurants.
City councillor will consider a motion Monday night that patrons receiving a ticket in paid parking areas, while restaurants are closed for in-person dining and restricted to takeout only due to 2022 COVID-19 mandates, can get a break.
The ticket can be cancelled if they provide proof of purchase (a receipt) from a Barrie restaurant in an amount equal to or greater than the set fine of $30 within five days after receiving the ticket.
The city had this program in place from mid-April to May and into June last year.
Coun. Gary Harvey, who is sponsoring the motion as an item for discussion, said he did not receive any direct calls or e-mails about the impact of this program in 2021.
“However, on social media it was very apparent that this program was very much appreciated by restaurateurs and patrons,” he said. “The city is limited in what we can do to support our business community, as we are a municipality and not the provincial or federal levels of government.
"The higher levels are the ones that are permitted to assist much more than a municipality is permitted," Harvey said.
The parking ticket cancellation program would not apply to any tickets received where parking is prohibited or cause a safety concern.
The set fine is $30 for failing to pay at a meter or pay-and-display machine, or a $20 early payment within seven days of the ticket being issued. Downtown parking rates in Barrie are $1.50 per hour on the city’s metered streets, $1.25 an hour in city parking lots.
If approved tomorrow night, the motion will be considered for final approval at the Jan. 17 city council meeting.
