Kelowna

As of February 1, a new $30 Residential Parking Permit fee will kick in for some Kelowna residents.

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski - Castanet

Up until now, residents in neighbourhoods with some form of timed parking restrictions could apply for free permits to allow them to park in front of their residence.

These areas include:

•   Kelowna General Hospital
•   Prospera Place
•   KSS/Okanagan College
•   East of downtown up to Gordon Drive
•   Landmark areas

Council approved the $30 permit fee in July.

That fee will now kick in next month.

City parking coordinator, Dave Duncan, says free permits currently in circulation will remain in effect until their expiry dates.

"All permits are good for one year from the date they are issued," says Duncan.

"Residents will not have to pay the permit fee until they come in to renew the permits they already have."

The recommendation was made in an effort to recover costs of administrating the program, enforcement and to put the city more in line with other municipalities in the province.

Residents in the affected neighbourhoods will be able to purchase two permits for their own vehicles along with an additional permit for visitors.

Council approved the timing of the new permit fees Monday.