Free parking passes introduced on March 1 for war veterans and other uniformed members appear to be a hit behind the wheel.
The City of Red Deer decided to allow free on-street parking for all war veterans, members of the Canadian Forces, and those who have served in United Nations or NATO operations as a member of a police force or military force. They would still have to pay in parkades.
The Red Deer Royal Canadian Legion has handed out 300 passes so far.
Bobbi McCoy, vice-president of the AB-NWT Command who is overseeing the program, said the parking passes have gained interest beyond Red Deer.
Veterans and current serving members in outlying areas like Innisfail are also applying for a pass that they can use in Red Deer’s downtown core.
“People are really happy to get the recognition,” McCoy said. “It remembers people now.”
McCoy said the pass is good for five years, similar to a handicapped pass handed out by the city.
Those who apply do not have to have a veteran’s licence plate. The parking pass follows the individual, not the vehicle, McCoy said.
McCoy said they haven’t encountered any abuse of the program yet, but if there is any, it will be reported to the city.
Veteran parking pass applications are available online at www.reddeer.ca