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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.