Park After Dark to Provide Another Alternative for Winter Parking

People out for an evening in downtown Halifax will have another option for overnight winter parking.

The Waterfront Development Corporation (WDCL) is launching Park After Dark, offering a flat overnight rate of $6 from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., at its four pay-and-display lots on Lower Water Street. The pilot project runs Friday, Jan. 22 to March 12.

"The waterfront and downtown core offer wonderful experiences year-round," said Colin MacLean, president and CEO of WDCL. "This gives people another tool when they are planning to enjoy these areas in the winter."

The idea evolved from a meeting with Halifax Regional Municipality councillor Dawn Sloane and Brian Doherty, owner of the Old Triangle in Halifax.

"It's an option for people who come out for the evening or who have overnight guests and live downtown," said Ms. Sloane. "We encourage people to look at other types of transportation, but it's important to have choices."

"Visitors and locals come out to dine, take in a show or music and don't want to watch the clock," said Mr. Doherty. "WDCL was open to our thoughts on alternatives; this will be good for all of our downtown businesses and is also an option for staff working past 1 a.m."

The rate will be available at Cable Wharf (1751 Lower Water St.), Queen's Landing (1707), Foundation Place (1549) and Salter (1521). Parkers can still choose the $3-an-hour option for shorter visits.

"Downtown is a vibrant setting that does not shut down at night," said Paul MacKinnon, executive director, Downtown Halifax Business Commission. "We acknowledge that the winter weather brings challenges for parking, and we applaud WDCL for taking this initiative to provide a place where our customers can park."

WDCL reinvests parking revenue from those properties into waterfront projects, events and infrastructure for the public's enjoyment.

WDCL is a provincial Crown corporation that develops ideas, infrastructure, and experiences that stimulate business investment and community pride. The corporation oversees lands surrounding Halifax Harbour and other lands designated by the province.