Councillors push for free downtown parking during lockdown

Ward 3 Coun. Matthew Shoemaker and his Ward 5 counterpart Matthew Scott will ask City Council next week to approve free parking downtown for the duration of the latest COVID-19 lockdown.

The following is the full text of a resolution they will present at Monday's council meeting.

The meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m.

Downtown Parking

Mover: Councillor M. Shoemaker
Seconder: Councillor M. Scott

Whereas on January 5, 2022, the provincial government entered Stage II COVID restrictions requiring, among other things, the closure of indoor dining, and reduced capacity in retail settings until at least Jan. 26, 2022; and

Whereas in past lockdowns, the City of Sault Ste. Marie has waived parking fees downtown in an effort to assist business in the downtown core to the greatest degree possible;

Now therefore be it resolved that the City of Sault Ste. Marie waive downtown paid parking until the provincial restrictions on businesses are lifted.