Want free parking? City of Calgary launches initiative to support local businesses
The Calgary Parking Authority is stepping up to support local small businesses over the holiday season by giving away four $150 parking credits.
Every week over the next month, the parking authority will choose one lucky winner, it announced in a Friday release. The goal is to encourage Calgarians to shop at local businesses and support businesses improvement areas (BIA) over the holiday season.
"Local businesses make up the fabric of our communities," said Erin Chrusch, leader of business and local economy at the City of Calgary. "Supporting local helps businesses in our city thrive and grow, while also supporting local jobs and ensuring more money stays in our community."
It's an initiative that was inspired by the city's #SupportLocalYYC campaign, where one of the main obstacles is access to parking.
"This is a great initiative for BIAs because who doesn’t want $150 worth of free parking while checking out the wonderful small businesses in our neighborhoods?" said Annie McGinnis, executive director of the Kensington Business Revitalization Zone.
"Every dollar spent locally generates $6 for our local economy," McGinnis added, "so shop local this season and win some free parking to use in our over 700 Kensington on-street and parking lot spots."
Danielle Fawcett, owner of The Shoe Closet in Inglewood, says her security company failed her when thieves got in and stole thousands last month.
A spokesperson for the parking authority added that parking in city spots to shop at locally-owned businesses provides a double payoff.
"When people park with us, as opposed to our competitors, they’re truly supporting local," said Chris Blaschuk, manager of the Calgary Parking Authority. "Every dollar of revenue over and above our operating costs enables the city to support communities and businesses, through programs such as the Parking Revenue Reinvestment Program.
"For instance," he added. "The financial contribution to the city from CPA from parking activities is projected to be more than $20 million in 2022."
To enter, visit the Calgary Parking Authority's Instagram page @Calgary_Parking. Like the post, tag a friend, and tag a local business you like.
Winners will be chosen every Monday starting Dec. 12, with $150 being added to your ParkPlus account. The credits will be good for on-street parking, in parkades and surface lots and never expire.
Be sure to use the hashtag #SupportLocalYYC, and remember to share the giveaway with family and friends to help promote local businesses.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.