The City of Kelowna is exploring options to provide complimentary on-street parking for veterans.

"I believe it's a relatively modest yet meaningful gesture that can enhance the well-being of veterans while promoting cultural respect and recognition in society," said Coun. Ron Cannan, who introduced the motion at Monday's (Nov. 18) council meeting.

He added that there are approximately a dozen other B.C. communities, including Vernon, Penticton, and Kamloops, that offer complimentary parking for veterans.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #26 in Kelowna sent a letter to council urging it to consider the matter, and Cannan received a petition from a veteran in support of complimentary parking on Remembrance Day.

In 2005, council approved complimentary parking for veterans in recognition of the federal government's declaration of that year as the "Year of the Veteran." This approval was extended until May 2006. However, a proposal for no-charge parking for veterans was rejected earlier this year by the city.

City staff will now examine options for granting year-round complimentary on-street parking for vehicles bearing veteran license plates.

According to a staff report, there are currently 391 veteran license plates registered in the City of Kelowna.