A big test will be thoroughly examined during the upcoming Armstrong Interior Provincial Exhibition.
The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Armstrong, is launching a pilot parking project to improve parking access for local businesses and residents during the 2025 IPE.
The fair, running from Aug. 27-31, attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. While the event provides tremendous economic and cultural benefits, the surge in visitors also creates significant parking pressure in Armstrong鈥檚 historic Old Town.
鈥淭his project is about making sure our downtown remains open and accessible for local customers during one of the busiest weeks of the year,鈥� said Marc Szarek, chamber president. 鈥淏y encouraging fair-goers to use designated parking lots, we鈥檙e supporting our businesses and ensuring residents can still access services they rely on.鈥�
The project will look like this:
鈥� The coverage zone includes Pleasant Valley Boulevard, north and south; Pleasant Valley Road (Okanagan Street to Bridge Street at the Bargain Bin); and Okanagan Street (Patterson Avenue to Wood Avenue);
鈥� Professionally designed educational signs will be installed on existing posts only.
"These signs will remind visitors to leave key parking areas for downtown patrons and appointments," said Szarek.
The City of Armstrong has approved all signage related to the pilot project, and confirmed that no enforcement or ticketing will occur in relation to these approved signs.
Any unauthorized signage not approved by the city will be removed, and possible ticketing may occur.
The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce will oversee the initiative, including sign production, placement, monitoring, messaging, and removal once the event concludes.
The initiative is designed to:
鈥� Keep priority parking available for customers of local businesses;
鈥� Reduce congestion in the downtown core;
鈥� Enhance the visitor experience for both residents and fair-goers.
鈥淎rmstrong businesses are the heartbeat of our community,鈥� said Patti Noonan, chamber executive director. 鈥淭his pilot project is a proactive way to balance the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors during IPE week.鈥�
The project and IPE begin Wednesday, Aug. 27.