Lacombe County council approved free parking for ratepayers at two popular boat launches. The decision to amend the municipal paid parking bylaw was passed at the Feb. 12 regular meeting of council.

Councillors read a report on the paid parking program and how it relates to the Sandy Point beach and boat launch, as well as the Sunbreaker Cove boat launch, and the involvement of a contractor that handles electronic payments.

“Currently, the county’s paid parking program is managed through HotSpot, which maintains the system and handles most customer interactions,” stated the staff report to council. “They are also the provider for the Town of Sylvan Lake, which has already implemented a similar exemption system for its ratepayers.

“As such, the exemption for Lacombe County ratepayers would be modelled on the Town of Sylvan Lake, which has had success with the program and its management through HotSpot.

“Ratepayers, either online or through the county office, would be required to verify their eligibility by submitting proof of ownership by providing their tax notice and government-issued identification. This verification would only need to be completed once every five years to ensure that the process is easy but also verifiable.

“The verification process typically takes 24 hours, and once complete, ratepayers will be able to add up to three vehicles to the system for free parking. Vehicles can be changed if required, but this may take up to five days to process.”

It was noted the electronic payments contractor, HotSpot, would manage this process. “HotSpot handles the verification and any technical support that may be required,” stated the staff report.

It was further explained that the registration process for free parking at the listed boat launches is based on a ratepayer’s licence plate that is entered into the program beforehand.

As councillors discussed the proposal, a one-year trial period was mentioned. Staff responded that some changes or tweaking may be necessary anyway as ratepayers change vehicles or receive new licence plates and pointed out that reverting to previous versions of the program wouldn’t be a problem.

More clarification was offered by staff on who could register for free parking at the boat launches: Lacombe County ratepayers and property owners, not necessarily residents. It was pointed out property owners can reside in places other than Lacombe County but would still be eligible for this program.

Conversely, some residents living within Lacombe County don’t own property and wouldn’t be eligible for this program.

During discussion, councillors discussed the eligibility requirements; they agreed that, for example, renters and out-of-town family members who are ineligible for this program should speak to their landlords or other family members about the issue.

Councillors also discussed the proposed three licence plates per ratepayer. Coun. Brenda Knight felt that number was fine. “I think three is generous,” said Knight.

Councillors unanimously passed a resolution that the Lacombe County paid parking program for the Sandy Point Beach and Boat Launch and the Sunbreaker Cove Boat Launch be amended to provide free parking for Lacombe County ratepayers for up to three vehicles per tax roll account.