In a bid to boost downtown foot traffic and support local businesses, the City of Regina has rolled out a change that many are calling a win-win for residents and entrepreneurs alike. As of Monday, free street parking at metered spots in the Downtown and Centre Square neighbourhoods now begins at 5 p.m., shifting the start time an hour earlier than the previous 6 p.m. cutoff.

The change, approved by City Council during its April 9 meeting, aims to make the downtown core more attractive to visitors in the evening hours. While the bylaw formalizing the adjustment is still awaiting final approval, parking enforcement officers have already begun implementing the updated schedule.

A Push for Vibrancy After 5

“We’re making it easier for people to enjoy what downtown Regina has to offer,” said Mayor Chad Bachynski in a statement. “By adjusting parking meter times from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m., visitors and residents alike can explore, shop and dine without worrying about plugging the meter. It’s all about creating a more inviting, vibrant atmosphere after work hours.”

The timing is intentional. City officials say the change is designed to catch the post-work crowd—residents looking to unwind, grab dinner, or attend an event—without the added hassle or cost of metered parking.

Business Owners Applaud the Move

For many small business owners in the area, the shift comes as welcome news. Downtown Regina has long faced challenges related to evening traffic, with concerns that metered parking deterred potential customers from sticking around after hours.

“This may seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference,” said one local restaurant owner, who noted that the 5 to 6 p.m. window is a critical time for attracting early dinner patrons. “Free parking means fewer barriers to entry, and that’s good for everyone.”

What You Need to Know

The new policy applies only to metered street parking in Downtown and Centre Square—the only two neighbourhoods in Regina where the City actively manages street parking through meters and enforcement. The rest of the rules remain unchanged:

• Paid parking hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Free parking: Weekdays after 5 p.m., up to 2 hours on Saturdays, and all day on Sundays

Residents can find more details on the City’s parking rules and updates at Regina.ca.

The Bigger Picture

Urban planners and business advocates have long pointed to parking policy as a key factor in downtown revitalization. The earlier start to free parking aligns Regina with other Canadian cities that have relaxed after-hours enforcement as part of broader efforts to bring people back to urban cores.

As the city continues to look for ways to energize its downtown, this latest move suggests that small policy shifts—when carefully timed and clearly communicated—can have a meaningful impact on how people use public space.

For now, the message from City Hall is clear: Regina wants you downtown—and it’s making it easier to say yes.