No Metered Parking For Christmas

Today until December 27th, you won't have to plug the parking meters in downtown Portage la Prairie.

City Council's implemented free parking there, as usual at this time of year.

Councillor Melissa Draycott calls it a boost for downtown.

"Just to encourage you to get out and do some local shopping that, of course, benefits Portage la Prairie in many different ways, from keeping our money here in town, to helping shop owners keep their doors open, and a little bit of ease and accessibility for Portagers, as well. There are so many great shops here in the city of Portage, and so it's great that we're able to offer that."

Draycott feels it's something important for Council to do, and sees it as a Portage tradition.

"I think that it's just something that we've come to know -- something that we as a Council definitely appreciate that we can extend that. And it's great to be able to shop down there without worrying about getting back out to your vehicle to plug in another quarter, or dollar, or toonie, so just really important for us to extend that as part of the Christmas season."