Drivers heading downtown and into Old East Village (OEV) could once again be able to park for free.
A report going to council's community and protective services committee on Monday recommends implementing one-hour free on-street parking in the core and one-hour free parking in two lots in OEV.
The complimentary parking program is a pared-down version of the one the city discontinued at the end of March that offered two-hours free parking in the two areas of the city. That parking initiative was first introduced in summer 2020 as a way to support businesses hard hit by the pandemic by making it easier for potential customers to visit. Its cancellation angered merchants who argued it was an incentive that helped their businesses and promoted economic activity.
Under the new proposed program, drivers would be able to access the one-hour of free parking through the Honk Mobile App until December 31. Parking under the pilot program in OEV would be allowed in Municipal Lot #1 and Municipal Lot #2 only.
The estimated cost to implement the downtown program is $300,000. It would cost an additional $30,000 to run the pilot in OEV. Funding for the parking initiative would come from the Economic Development Reserve Fund.
Staff stated that if approved by council the program would "proceed immediately." The Old East Village and Downtown London BIAs would assist with its marketing to the public.
