Free parking behind Halifax Central Library delights shoppers

While the Halifax Central Library doesn't open until Saturday, the parking lot behind it is already open and it won't cost a cent to park there until after Christmas.

The free parking will be limited to two hours at a time and parking enforcement personnel will monitor it, said Brendan Elliott, a spokesman for the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Armdale resident Jason Churchill likes the idea.

"Parking is an issue down here, especially during the winter and busy times like Christmas, so extra parking goes a long way," he said.

Beth McGuire works downtown and is a fan ofthe initiative.

"I think it would probably bring more people into these shops," she said.

The lot, which is unpaved and unpainted, had about 50 cars parkedwhen CBC News was there on Tuesday. It was about half full.

The lot was the home base for construction crews who worked on the library. With constructionnearly complete,that opened up the space for other uses.

Elliottsaid regional council will decide whether the parking lot will remain free beyondthe holidays. He said demand and reaction from local businesses could play a role in the decision.

McGuire hopes the city makes it a permanentinitiative.

"Definitely, yeah. That would be great," she said.