Parking in Kamloops could soon look very different, as City Council moves forward with a wide-ranging overhaul aimed at improving access, increasing turnover, and addressing what officials say is an unsustainable financial model.
At the March 31st council meeting, staff presented a comprehensive parking management plan that proposes phased changes over the next five years, including rate hikes, stricter enforcement, and expanded paid parking areas.
City staff say the changes are necessary to ensure the system can pay for itself.
“Parking is not sustainable the way it is right now,” Business Manager of Community and Protective Services Mike Helfrich told council. “We’re having to draw from reserves to maintain current rates, and in about two to two-and-a-half years, those reserves would be depleted if we don’t make changes.”
Rate increases and longer hours
Under the proposal, on-street parking rates would rise from $1.25 to $1.50 per hour for the first two hours, and from $2.50 to $3.00 for the third hour. Enforcement hours would also expand, starting earlier in the day at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.
Surface lot fees would increase by $2 per day and $10 per month, while parkade monthly rates would also climb by $10. However, hourly and daily parkade rates would remain unchanged to encourage long-term parking to shift off busy streets.
Staff emphasized that the goal is not simply to raise costs, but to improve availability.
“The proposed strategies promote frequent turnover on prime on-street parking spaces, which the retail and service industries heavily rely on,” said Community Services Manager Will Beatty.
Fines could double
The most significant change comes in the form of increased penalties. Parking fines for expired meters would jump from $40 to $80, while more serious violations—such as blocking hydrants or crosswalks—would rise from $50 to $100.
Discounts for early payment would still apply, but staff argued that higher fines are needed to improve compliance and make enforcement worthwhile.
Currently, the city sometimes loses money pursuing unpaid tickets.
“The cost to collect on a $40 ticket versus an $80 ticket makes a difference,” staff noted, adding that a new adjudication system could streamline collections outside of the court process.
Enforcement and technology upgrades
Council members raised repeated concerns about enforcement capacity and effectiveness. Staff said new technology, including license plate recognition systems, is expected to improve compliance and reduce abuse—such as drivers repeatedly renewing parking sessions without moving their vehicles.
Other enforcement measures under consideration include vehicle immobilization devices like wheel boots or “barnacles,” which attach to windshields and require payment before removal. Towing options are also being explored in partnership with local companies.
Business and community considerations
The plan follows consultations with local stakeholders, including the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association and the Kamloops Blazers hockey club.
Event parking, initially proposed at a much higher rate, was scaled back to $6 after feedback from the Blazers to avoid discouraging attendance.
Council also discussed broader impacts, including spillover parking into residential neighborhoods and the need for a citywide residential parking permit program—expected to roll out as early as next year.
Councillors highlighted the importance of balancing enforcement with accessibility for businesses.
“We have to switch the conversation to why this benefits people,” said one councillor, pointing to improved turnover and better access for customers.
A shift toward self-sustaining parking
Financial projections show the city’s parking system currently runs at a deficit of roughly $428,000 annually. With the proposed changes, officials expect to eliminate that shortfall and begin rebuilding reserves for future infrastructure.
The plan also includes gradual annual rate increases tied to inflation after an initial adjustment this year.
Council ultimately voted to move the recommendations forward, directing staff to prepare bylaw amendments for formal adoption.
If approved, the first phase of changes could take effect as early as June 1.
City officials say the long-term goal is clear: a fairer, more efficient system where “parking pays for parking” — and where finding a spot downtown is no longer a gamble.
