The Town of Rocky Mountain House is lifting its three-hour parking limit in the downtown core.

Officials say the parking limit signs on Main St. were removed Dec. 11, with the adjacent streets and avenues to follow.

In removing the time limit for vehicles to be parked on downtown streets and avenues, the goal is to encourage Rocky Mountain House residents and visitors to spend more time frequenting downtown businesses, particularly during the busy holiday shopping season.

The decision was on town administration’s authority, explained Laura Button, communications coordinator with the Town of Rocky Mountain House. The town’s traffic bylaw allows for administration to set rules around parking and other traffic stipulations.

Button adds, the parking limit freeze will be in effect for a six-month trial period. The town will collect feedback from residents and reassess in 2025.

Town officials say business owners, managers and employees should continue to park at the rear of their businesses or elsewhere, to leave the on-street parking available for customers during business hours.

Button says the town would like to hear feedback from residents and business owners about the initiative. An online survey can be found here – just click ‘Downtown Parking’ in the drop down menu.