Parking meter rates to rise to $4 an hour downtown

City council has approved an increase in parking meter rates in downtown Calgary.

The motion passed by one vote Tuesday, hiking the meter price from $3.50 an hour to $4.

"It's probably reasonable to expect that that's what life in the big city is all about," said Alderman Bob Hawkesworth, who supported the increase.

The Calgary Parking Authority is self-supporting and contributes money back to the city.

Alderman Craig Burrows, who objected to the increase, said affordable parking helps keep the downtown vibrant. He said private lots will follow the city's lead.

"The private spots, they will increase their rates," he said.

"I don't want to pay six bucks an hour to park downtown because I won't come down here."

The new meter rate kicks inon Jan. 1.