CORNWALL – You will likely see fewer parking meter heads if you’re parking in the city’s downtown core next year.
But you will still have to pay – just through new technology.
The city’s budget committee heard Wednesday the parking enforcement department is looking to get rid of parking meter heads, which are costly to maintain, and replace them with so-called pay-and-display machines.
A machine was introduced in January 2015 in the parking lot on Pitt Street between First and Second Streets, which includes credit card payment.
Two machines have been budgeted for and they will likely go in the parking area around the courthouse and on Second Street between Sydney and Pitt Streets.
One machine typically takes the place of 10 meter heads, Chief Building Official Chris Rogers told the committee.
A third machine would likely be planned for the south side of Second between Pitt and Sydney.
When Coun. Bernadette Clement asked about the Le Village District, Rogers said the revenue is not there to warrant a pay-and-display machine.
As for revenue from parking fines and other charges, the city typically brings in about $450,000 to $500,000 a year (it’s budgeting for $474,000 in 2017).