The fee for a City of Saskatoon Accessible Parking Permit hasn’t changed since 1981, but 43 years later, the rate is going up. The fee when the program began in 1960 was $15 annually, then in 1981, it raised to $20 a year and as of today (Tues), permit fees will be $60 annually rising to $100 a year next October.
This is an optional program which allows users with a valid SaskAbilities placard to park for free in paid parking areas. The program also allows users to park in paid parking zones, loading zones, and on-street accessible parking zones for longer than the posted time limits. Users who qualify as low income may apply to receive a permit at a 50 per cent discounted rate.
The program changes also include reducing time limits. Previously those with a permit could park for 72 hours, but that has been reduced to four hours for on-street paid parking zones. As well, a report to Council earlier this year stated that not everyone knew of the program, so the City will continue to work with SaskAbilities to improve promotion of the program.