The decision by Kamloops council to roll back parking rates is supported by the city’s downtown business association.

The Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA) says the rates before January 1st were sufficient for now.

Executive Director Carl DeSantis says the meters shouldn’t be a cash cow for city coffers.

“Parking meters are intended to encourage people to come down, do business and move along,” he said. “From that perspective, they work well.”

“The discussion about what the rates should be, that’s something we need more information about.”

Councillor Mike O’Reilly – who is the former KCBIA president – made a motion to have the parking rates dropped down, which council passed with a 5-3 vote.

“What we’re looking for is a longer-term strategy,” DeSantis added. “This is a really good time. It’s a time when the city has got the traffic demand management study going on, with the traffic choices.”

“We’re not saying “no, never”. We’re saying, “let’s make informed decisions” and to make an informed decision, you need more information.”

DeSantis echoed Councillor Mike O’Reilly’s comments that the matter should be visited after city staff finish a study on the topic this summer.