A request to delay a free parking pilot project in Pembroke’s downtown has been approved. On Tuesday night, City Council agreed to begin the six month pilot project on January 1, 2020 instead of beginning in November. The motion to request the change was brought forward by Councillor Brian Abdallah, after he spoke with both the Pembroke Business Improvement Area and local residents. Abdallah also says he recommended the change because free parking is already offered during the month of December to promote shopping downtown over the Christmas shopping season. The trial run will see free two-hour parking along metered areas of Pembroke Street West between Mackay Street and Hincks Street, and on metered side streets along that stretch, except for Renfrew Street. City Council plans to review the stats from the pilot project before looking at the future of parking meters throughout the downtown.