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Vernon  

Annual crush for downtown Vernon parking passes returns this Friday

Precious passes up for grabs

Coveted monthly parking passes will be up grabs Friday in Vernon.

And, if the situation is anything like past years, people will be lined up long before dawn for a chance at year-round parking bliss.

The 2023 monthly parking permits for city parking lots and the parkade go on sale at 8:30 a.m.

Sales are on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available for purchase in person at the City Hall cashier counter.

This time last year, downtown workers eager for a parking spot near their office began lining up outside City Hall as early as 4 a.m. in sub-zero, snowy conditions.

The city operates six downtown parking lots plus the parkade.

Passes for the busiest lots are typically all snapped up that morning.

Those who don't secure a pass are left to jockey for daily parking stalls that are often full at some lots.

The city doesn't have a mechanism to allow for online permit purchases, leading to the annual rush.

"The city continues to look at alternative processes and opportunities to improve this service, but unfortunately there is no online option available right now," city spokesperson Christy Poirier said last year.

Staff did take pity on those lined up in the cold, opening up council chambers at 7:15 a.m. to provide a warm place to wait.

"Almost every customer" was able to receive their first or second choice of parking location, the city said last year.

Payments can be made by cheque, Interac or cash.



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