Calgarians will get a bit of relief on parking during pandemic

Calgarians will now get a bit of a break on parking as pickups and deliveries increase across the city. 

The Calgary Parking Authority will implement a 30-minute grace period on all ParkPlus spaces, as well as permit parking spaces, to facilitate drop-offs and pickups. 

The new rules start on April 9. 

In addition to the parking changes, the city said previously planned changes to waste and recycling schedules have come into effect. It's reminding citizens to check their new schedules. 

Due to staffing shortages, the city will also maintain biweekly pickups for green carts, rather than transitioning to once-a-week pickup. 

Don't drop masks, don't gather

During a news conference announcing the changes, Calgary Emergency Management Agency chief Tom Sampson said he was disappointed to hear reports of people discarding face masks on the ground. 

"I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you're thinking," he said. "Leaving them there is just not the right thing to do."

He also had a message for younger Calgarians who he says are still sometimes gathering in groups.

"We see you out in the community and we see you still hanging out with your friends," said Sampson.

"If you're out there, you're putting yourself at risk, and it's just not worth it. If you don't do it for yourself, do it for your future self."