Page: B3
Section: City & Region
Edition: Final
 

A decision sparing Lethbridge military veterans from having to scrounge for change to plug parking meters is being met with praise from the head of the city's Royal Canadian Legion.

Dennis Coburn said a ruling Tuesday by Lethbridge city council to eliminate parking fees for vets will go a long way in the community.

"It's such a small thank you for them, but it's long overdue," said Coburn from his home in Lethbridge. "I think it's about time. We tend to forget our veterans until Nov. 11 rolls around."

Lethbridge Ald. Rajko Dodic said it's unclear how much the move will cost the city of about 77,000.

It's a small measure of gratitude for the veterans' military service, said Dodic.

There could be as many as 100 Second World War, Korean War, Gulf War or NATO veterans living in the area, but only those with provincial licence plates indicating their service are eligible for the parking perk.

Free parking for the vets extends only as long as the maximum time allowed at the meter -- from 30 minutes to four hours depending on the area.

Applications for a veteran's licence plate can be picked up at any provincial registry agent office or on the Legion's website at www.abnwtlegion.com.