Major changes are being proposed for downtown and hospital parking.
City council is set to review a new parking modernization study on Monday, July 28.
The study, prepared by LEA Consulting Ltd., outlines strategies to modernize on- and off-street parking across the city.
Public consultation was part of the process. In April 2025, an online survey gathered nearly 1,500 responses from residents, and a second survey targeting local businesses received 53 responses.
Findings highlighted issues such as limited parking availability, inconsistent enforcement, time limits, confusing payment systems, a lack of accessible spaces and concerns about safety.
In May, LEA representatives hosted a booth at the CityFest event at the Civic Centre.
On June 25, a public meeting was held at the House of Ancestors to present the draft findings, with roughly 30 people in attendance.
“The public made it clear that safety, clarity and access are top concerns when it comes to parking,” Eric Depenau, director of administrative services, wrote in the report. “This report reflects that feedback and provides a clear direction for building a smarter and more user-friendly system.”
Surveys conducted in May 2025 revealed that overall parking utilization is low. Peak downtown demand reached just 51 per cent for on-street parking and 33 per cent for off-street lots. While most users complied with posted time limits, a significant number exceeded them, pointing to gaps in enforcement.
Prince George currently offers some of the most generous free parking in British Columbia, Depeanau wrote, including three-hour free parking downtown and two-hour free parking near the hospital — well above the offerings in comparable cities.
The study also identified safety concerns in facilities such as the George Street parkade, citing poor lighting, limited visibility and past break-ins.
LEA Consulting recommends:
- Reducing free on-street parking to two hours and introducing $1-per-hour fees on selected streets.
- Improving safety with CCTV cameras, emergency call stations, better lighting and enhanced parkade design.
- Expanding accessible parking and adding signage, particularly in the hospital zone.
- Modernizing payment systems using mobile apps and physical pay stations.
- Supporting future development with a flexible parking model to accommodate special events.
- Enhancing infrastructure for bicycles and electric vehicles.
As part of the Civic Core District Plan, the study models future parking needs related to a proposed performing arts centre, a new arena and residential developments.
Three alternatives were evaluated to address event-based parking demand.
The preferred approach focuses on optimizing existing infrastructure rather than building costly new facilities.
City council will hear a presentation from LEA Consulting on Monday, July 28. Administration will then review the study and return to council with an implementation plan for the phased rollout of the recommendations.
“The study has provided us with a clear, community-informed direction,” wrote Depenau. “Now we begin the work of turning that vision into action to support a vibrant and accessible downtown.”
