The City of Portage la Prairie is preparing to make changes to the way you park downtown.

City councillor, Sharilyn Knox, explains what’s happening.

“We are moving on with our parking strategy, which means the removal of parking meters. We hope to have that all completed and into effect by May 1.”

The Portage la Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce has rallied for the changes since last year and city council announced the decision to ditch the maters in January.

Knox says you should still be wary of the meters.

“The meters here are still active, so people do need to put money into the meter during that time. Don’t forget to do so when you go out to the essential places that you have to go.”

Portage will be using some new and innovative technology so that vehicles will not remain parked for longer than the limit.

“We’re switching to two free hour parking at those spots after May 1st," says Knox. "My rule of thumb is, if there’s a meter still in place, put your money in just to be safe.”