Halifax's parking rate and permit fee increases take effect

Increases to on-street parking rates and permit fees have taken effect in Halifax.

Weekday rates for on-street parking have jumped by 25 per cent, rounded to the nearest 25 cents, and the permit fees for monthly commuter parking have gone up by $20.

In a news release, the municipality said the updated rates apply to all weekday paid on-street parking zones, and the new permit fees apply to all commuter parking permit zones.

Beginning Saturday, drivers will have to pay to park in downtown Halifax in zones B and C. There will also be paid parking in downtown Dartmouth in parking zone H.

The municipality said the first hour of Saturday parking will be free when a parking session is registered through a pay station or the HotSpot app.

"Together, these changes will help manage parking demand, encourage turnover of on-street spaces and improve access to short-term parking in busy commercial areas," the municipality said.