HAMILTON , ON – May 25, 2006 – The City of Hamilton is bringing free parking to the Downtown Core on Saturdays. Beginning on Saturday, June 3, visitors to the Core will be able to park for free at all specially marked meters on the streets bordered by Queen, Cannon, Victoria, Hunter and the commercial areas on James Street North and South. An integral part of Council’s efforts to revitalize the Core, free parking is being offered to draw people Downtown to shop, dine out or for entertainment. Motorists are encouraged to look for the specially marked on-street meters with an orange face plate.
“Council is committed to creating a vibrant Downtown Core for residents and visitors alike. By offering free parking on Saturdays, we hope to bring even more people Downtown to enjoy all that it has to offer,” says Ward 2 Councillor, Bob Bratina.
“It just makes sense to offer free parking on Saturdays since it provides an incentive for those wanting to take in a show, come down for dinner, see an exhibition at one of our many galleries or shop in some of our unique stores,” says Kathy Drewitt, Executive Director of the Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement Area (BIA).
“With sixteen restaurants and cafe's within our boundaries, patios, and casual window shopping, free parking on Saturdays will give people the opportunity to visit the Core in a leisurely way with no worries. This adds to the casual ambiance we are trying to create in the Downtown,” says Mary Pocius, Executive Director, International Village BIA.
Free Saturday parking in the Downtown will be available at approximately 800 on-street meters marked with an orange face plate.
Media Contact:
Councillor Bob Bratina (905) 546-2711