Free ride ends for Winnipeggers at popular Forks parking garage

The Forks says it'sbracing for some backlash to a decision to start charging for parking atits long-time free parkade at the Winnipeg historicsite.

On June 15, The Forks North Portage Partnership began charging vehicles $1 per half hour in its parkade located behind the Manitoba Theatre for Young People.

The 300-stall parkade has offered free parking since it opened in 2003.

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"We know that change is hard and we anticipate some pushback," said Chelsea Thomson, spokesperson for the development corporation.

"I certainly would hope that free parking wasn't the only reason that people were visiting us."

One level of the three-storey parkade will remain free for people with disability permits and for families with young children, Thomson said.

While the change does away with a popular free parking spot, Thomson said the money raised from the parkade will be used to improve The Forks and will be invested inactivities and features that can be enjoyed for free like river trails and bike lanes.

"So while you may pay $2 to $4 for your time here at The Forks, we are increasing the reasons for you to come," she said.

"All the money that you pay to park is being used towards the good of the community and the Forks site as a whole."

According to data gathered by The Forks, the average visitor spends between 90 minutes and three hours at the site. A three-hour time limit at the parkade will remain in effect.

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Parking revenue from other lots like the Portage Place parkade is the biggest source of income for the The Forks North Portage Partnership.

For drivers unwilling to shell out the money, there are still two sections of outdoor parking that remain free at surface level directly behind the Inn at the Forks and the plaza lots near the historic trains adjacent to the Forks Market.