The City of Penticton adding free designated curbside pick-up parking stalls downtown

Photo: Casey Richardson

Stall in front of Mikes Pawnbrokers 333 Main St 400 Block

The City of Penticton announced designated curbside pick-up parking stalls in four locations along Main Street on Thursday, in response to requests from businesses and the community for free spots.

In the past week, many business owners frustrated with paid parking spots spoke out against the installed meters and their possible contribution to the lack of shoppers.

Temporary stalls will now be in place to provide a free quick-stop option for customers to conveniently pick up their takeout and curbside orders downtown.

The City’s Economic Development and Public Works departments have added designated pickup stalls identified with Picnic-ton branded signage indicating “Ten minute free parking, reserved for curbside pickup only.”

The branding has the ability to change over time to be reflective of different programs and seasons. Residents are encouraged to use these curbside parking stalls to pick up their food and beverage orders or retail curbside pickup orders.

“The purpose of these free parking stalls is to support our local businesses by making it easy and convenient for their customers to come downtown and pick up their orders, without needing to pay at a parking meter,” said Blake Laven, Director of Development Services.

The locations of these parking stalls on Main Street are:

• In front of Mikes Pawnbrokers 333 Main St 400 Block at the 300 Block
• In front of Apex Optometry 462 Main St 500 Block
• In front of Angry Vegan’s new location at 536 Main St 600 Block
• In front of Cheers Church 639 Main St

The curbside pickup parking stalls have also been added to Picnic-ton’s interactive map, which can be found online here and identifies participating food and beverage businesses, as well as nearby parks and picnic facilities.