Burlington to pause December free parking downtown program

Burlington city council is putting a pause on its December free parking downtown program.

The move came at the request of the Burlington Downtown Business Association.

According to the BDBA, the majority of businesses say it is no longer achieving its intended purpose.

“The December Free P! program was a good strategy for its time. It succeeded in keeping our downtown business community top-of-mind for shoppers and diners during the lucrative pre-Christmas season,” said BDBA executive director Brian Dean.

But the city says since introducing the program it’s made positive changes to downtown parking, including mobile payment options and real-time parking availability signs.

“Now we can stand on our own two feet without the benefit of this program for 2020. There is absolutely a spot for December parkers downtown and we encourage our community to get reacquainted with our unique small business community this holiday season,” said Dean.

Anyone parking downtown during the week will have a three-hour time limit.

The city says that will encourage people to move their vehicles and free up spots for other customers.

Parking will still be free after 6 p.m. and on weekends and holidays year-round.