Clark pledges free weekend parking, one-time fund to spur outdoor winter activities

Incumbent Saskatoon mayoral candidate Charlie Clark is promising free weekend parking this winter plus a one-time fund to help groups hold outdoor winter events. 

Clark, who is seeking a second term as mayor in the Nov. 9 civic election, made his announcement Wednesday at his downtown campaign office.

"So many families and parents are worried about their kids being stuck behind their devices all winter because there's nothing to do," Clark said, citing a diminishment in activities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The one-time fund, totalling $250,000, would be carved out of Saskatoon's share of the $19-billion federal Safe Restart program, which is meant to help provinces struggling with the economic effects of the pandemic. 

Clark noted the initiative would not be funded through property taxes.

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Groups applying for the money would decide what they want to do, "whether it's a community rink party, outdoor adventure races, arts performances, winter dining experiences, warm-up shacks along the river," Clark said.

The idea has the support of business improvement districts, Clark added. 

The free parking would be a pilot program.

Both initiatives would require the support of city council. 

CBC News has reached out to Clark's main two opponents, Rob Norris and Don Atchison, for comment.