Downtown Regina street parking now free from 5 p.m. on, city says

Regina parking meters are seen in this file image. (CTV News Regina)

The City of Regina says street parking in the downtown and Centre Square areas will now be free from 5 p.m. onward, moving back from 6 p.m during weekdays.

Mayor Chad Bachynski says the goal is to make it easier for residents to enjoy the city’s downtown.

“By adjusting parking metre times from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m., visitors and residents alike can explore, shop and dine without worrying about plugging the meter after 5 p.m. It’s all about creating a more inviting, vibrant atmosphere for people to enjoy after work hours,” Bachynski said in a news release.

Downtown and Centre Square are the only two neighbourhoods in Regina where street parking is metered and monitored, the city said.

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Regular paid meter parking will still begin at 8 a.m. from Monday to Friday and parking continues to be free for up to two hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

City council approved the changes on April 9 and the change will be made official upon final approval of the related bylaw, but parking enforcement officers have already implemented the change, according to the city.