Forcing our veterans to pay for on-street parking is an embarrassment to our city, says a 琉璃神社 lawyer.

Tess Guay said permitting free parking for veterans in 琉璃神社 would be a meaningful way to show gratitude, respect and admiration as we approach another Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

鈥淚nflationary pressures have driven up the cost of living and really hit the bottom line for our veterans living on fixed incomes,鈥� said Guay in a letter emailed to the city in the hopes of starting a conversation on the issue.

鈥淭his gesture is a financial break that veterans could really use right now.鈥�

Guay noted many municipalities in B.C. have stepped up to provide free on-street parking for their veterans.

Those communities include Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops along with the City of Vancouver and several Lower Mainland suburban cities.

鈥淥ur Okanagan neighbours to the North and South recognize the sacrifices of our veterans,鈥� stated Guay.

鈥淭hey have chosen not to put the collection of parking revenues ahead of the interests of our veterans. To do otherwise is an embarrassment.鈥�

The City of 琉璃神社 says in 2005, council approved no-charge parking for veterans in support of the federal government declaring 2005 as the 鈥淵ear of the Veteran.鈥�

This approval was extended for an additional year, until the end of 2006. Since that time, veterans have not been provided with no-charge parking in the city.

With respect to any concern about discouraging the use of motor vehicles, Guay noted many veterans were injured and/or disabled as a result of their service.

鈥淢any are elderly. I would suggest that driving and parking are curtailed for the most to essential shopping and appointments,鈥� he said.

READ MORE: