City council approved the creation of 73 paid, VIP parking stalls at CN Centre for Cougars home games and other events.
CN Centre has a total of 1,400 parking stalls arena manager Andy Beesley said. The paid stalls would be those closest to the arena, he said, while the remainder would still be free.
"The proposal is [also] to have a priority exiting lane," Beesley said. "Many customers would find that appealing."
The Cougars would share the revenue from the VIP parking, to the tune of an estimated $15,900 per year. Beesley estimated the city's revenue would likely total $16,400 per year - based on Cougars home games and 15 concerts or other events per year.
"The current thinking is to put that revenue to budget deficit reduction," he added.
"I'm quite prepared to see what the market is willing to pay," Coun. Shari Green said. "If its a sell out, than it was a great idea. If people aren't willing to pay and are willing to walk a little farther, we will find that out."
Beesley said the paid parking will likely go into effect in three to four weeks.
Coun. Dave Wilbur was the sole opponent of the proposal on council.
"It seems almost chintzy to do this," Wilbur said. "I appreciate administration being creative.... but I don't think this city is ready for paid parking."
The Prince George Cougars were a partner in developing the plan and have agreed to the revenue-sharing plan, Beesley said.
Prince George Cougars vice-president Brandi Brodsky said the VIP parking option is part of the agreement between the hockey club and the city to look at ways to increase revenue for both parties.
"These are spots that are not available to the public right now anyway, so it shouldn't make a big difference. There is plenty of free parking spots," Brodsky said. "We'll find out if some of our suite holders want them, or some of our season ticket holders."
Holding a VIP parking stall will allow fans to arrive later to the game and still get a good parking spot, she said.
