City company sponsors parking passes for older veterans

War veterans 75 or older will be able to receive honorary city of North Bay parking passes thanks to a local business.

Deputy mayor Peter Chirico informed city council Monday night that Teletech Canada would sponsor the passes as a goodwill gesture to recognize veterans.

The city had received a letter from a North Bay physician suggesting a bylaw should be passed to provide free parking privileges to veterans.

A staff report regarding the suggestion recommended denying it saying it would create a large separate class, given the large military presence in the city and the large number of retired personnel.

Chirico said he received a call from Teletech site director Paul Massicotte, who offered to sponsor the parking passes.

The passes will be valid until Nov. 11, 2006.