Thunder Bay City Council approved changes to the Parking Authority Financial Plan this week, allowing for complimentary parking at a variety of locations throughout the city.

Effective June 3, on-street parking throughout Thunder Bay will be complimentary for two-hours, with drivers able to purchase an additional two hours at the same space.

Parking at the waterfront will be complimentary for four hours, with the ability to purchase an additional four hours at the same space.

Drivers are encouraged to use the Passport Parking Canada app or a pay machine to register their complimentary parking. If a driver does not have the parking app, or a smartphone, and are parking in an area without a pay machine, they can park at a metered space, and parking enforcement officers will manually monitor when vehicles are parked at complimentary spaces.

“Offering complimentary parking will help support local businesses throughout Thunder Bay’s downtown cores, along with the Westfort and Bay and Algoma Business Districts,” said Keri Greaves, Commissioner – Corporate Services & City Treasurer.

“As an added benefit, the program will also provide valuable insights into drivers’ parking habits which help shape future parking pricing strategies.”

Complimentary parking at on-street meters will be offered until December 31, 2027. Drivers looking for longer-term parking can use other paid surface lots or the Waterfront and Victoriaville Parkades.

The Passport Parking Canada app can be found in the Google Play or App Store.

To learn more, please visit www.thunderbay.ca/parking.