In November 2019, city staff were directed by a city council motion to explore options to expand the free parking privileges to veterans year-round.
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But city staff, in their report ahead of Thursday’s public meeting, urged city council to oppose existing and proposed regulations over their concerns that it contradicts the municipal government’s directions of discouraging car use and advancing “equity,” and could significantly impact city finances as a result of the reduction in parking revenue.
“It does not support veterans who travel in other ways, such as by transit, walking, or cycling,” reads the city staff report.
“Veterans are not, in general, a low-income or disadvantaged group, so this does not advance key equity goals and not charging for parking would not support low-income veterans, many of whom may not be able to afford a vehicle. Depending on the direction given by Council, it may also be costly and reduce City revenues.”
In response, the volunteer-based licensing organization, British Columbia Veterans Commemorative Association (BCVCA), has issued a written response stating city staff did not consult with their group, and refuted the assumed rationale in recommending no free veteran parking.
“Veterans are not and never should or will be compared to as a ‘key equity goal’. Veterans sacrificed their families, their homes, their professions and their LIVES in faraway lands, serving in the cause of peace,” reads the response.
“Veterans with great humility, viewed this as their civic duty to community and country and ask for nothing but the common mans’ respect. It is unfortunate, City officials do not understand this distinction upon which such reverence of decision making must be based.”
Furthermore, the act of offering veterans societal benefits such as free parking was never based upon a financial disadvantage.
“The reason for Veteran Free Parking is to honour and pay homage to those selfless individuals who gave of themselves so that future generations could live in a society with freedoms beyond compare throughout the world. Freedoms that are taken for granted because ‘Military’ service is so far removed from the common mans’ thoughts,” continues the response.
“Income disparity is not any criteria in evaluating what is owed to Veterans by a society, especially generations anew. Our societal sacred obligation is to ‘Remember’ these sacrifices and honour with reverence, all that has been handed to us by those whose valour was neither fearful nor wanting.
Food for Men and the Mayor of Howe Street are working to assist Veterans in any way they can.
*City council has now reversed their decision regarding Veterans thanks to publiic backlash and groups like Food for Men. Some say too little to late as veterans now know how the politicians feel about them. Still a victory for the Mayor of Howe Street and the Foundation to assist Canadian Forces Veterans .
