The first week in December may be the perfect time to get a parking ticket.

That’s when the city is considering hosting its annual Food For Fines Program.

It enables residents to pay off their parking tickets in the form of food or cash donations that will go to the Whitehorse Food Bank and the Kaushee’s Place women’s shelter.

The proposal was put forward to council at its Nov. 5 meeting. The city typically hosts the program each year.

As it was highlighted in a report to council Monday night: “In the spirit of contributing to those citizens who are less fortunate, and in demonstration of holiday season goodwill and community spirit, bylaw services is requesting approval to continue the annual Food for Fines initiative in December 2018.

“In previous years, the city’s support for the Food for Fines initiative has been successful.”

Last year’s program saw a total of $7,420 in cash and food donations collected – a total of $2,100 worth of food and $5,320 in cash.

Meanwhile, the 2016 event saw a total of $5,540 in donations, with the value of food contributions totalling $2,040 along with $3,505 in cash.

The program has become a tradition in Whitehorse.

Both councillors Samson Hartland and Steve Roddick praised the initiative, noting it’s a good way to give back to the community.

City staff were unable to say why there was such an increase in donations last year.

As well, when questioned by Roddick, they did not have information on when the program first began. It was noted that efforts would be made to get the information prior to this evening’s council meeting.

Star archives show the program began with council’s approval in 2005. That occurred after then-bylaw manager John Taylor had learned of a similar initiative in Vancouver and proposed it for Whitehorse.

The program this year would run from Dec. 1 to 8 with “ticket payments” being accepted at city hall up until 4 p.m. on Dec. 12 with a presentation of the donations being made on Dec. 14.

This evening, council will vote on whether to go ahead with the program, along with a grant of up to $10,000.