Paid Parking & Fare Free Transit
COVID-19 Update on Paid Parking
April 7, 2020: Council was presented with an update on the impacts of COVID-19 on paid parking implementation this summer. The two options presented:
- Install signage, enforce time restrictions with no payment required. This option proposes to complete the rest of the work on the parking management system, install new signage and enforce new time restrictions this summer. The Residential Parking Permit Program would be implemented, however no payment would be required.
- Maintain the current system. This option also involves completing the work to develop the parking management system and the procurement of all capital items required for the program. There would be no changes to current parking management this year, all capital items would be stored and ready to implement at a future date. This option would have the least impact on the public and businesses while still taking advantage of the work that has already been completed.
Administration will bring this back to council in May for a decision.
Council has approved the implementation of paid parking and fare free transit in perpetuity. Both of these strategies are in alignment with the pdf Integrated Parking Management Plan (2.24 MB)
Parking Regulation and Pricing
Paid parking will be implemented in the Town Centre beginning in June 2020. A residential parking permit program will start in May 2020 (more details below).
Details
- 4-hour and 24-hour limits in most locations between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m
- All-day parking in designated areas between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by payment or purchased pass
- Zones for free short-term parking
- Peak season pricing (May - September) prices can be found in the map below
- Off season pricing (October - April) prices can be found in the map below
- Residential pass program for residential development outside the Town Centre where time restrictions are applied
- Local Roam transit will continue to operate fare-free. Revenues from paid parking will be used to fund fare free transit
Peak Season Pricing Map
- Paid parking will start mid-June in 2020
- Peak season is May 1 to September 30
- Pricing will be in effect between 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Prices will be between $1/hour - $2/hour
- Monthly passes will be $60/month
Off Season Pricing Map
- Low season is October 1 - April 30
- Pricing will be in effect between 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Prices will be between $1/hour - $2/hour
- The 4-hour and 24-hour time restrictions will remain in place
Residential Parking Permit Program
To address spillover impacts, a Residential Parking Permit system be in place for residential parking areas directly abutting the Town Centre in advance of paid parking initiation in June 2020. On those blocks, public parking will be permitted, however will also be time restricted and priced in the same way as Town Centre streets to discourage spillover.
Each household in these areas be able to obtain a residential parking permit for up to two vehicles registered to the property free of charge, with additional permits available at a cost of $100 for a two-year permit. Permits allow residents to park in the zone adjacent to their home without payment, but not in other zones in the Town Centre.
Fare Free Local Transit in Perpetuity
Revenues from paid parking will be used to fund fare free transit in perpetuity. Fare free local transit has proven to increase transit ridership significantly. Ridership on local transit is trending 23.7% higher in 2019 than in 2018, with significant contributions from new fare-free months of May, June, September and October. In the summer 2018 pilot ridership was up well over 60% year over year. By encouraging alternative travel modes, including transit, parking demand can be reduced 10-30% in the medium term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Background
Paid parking and fare-free transit are two strategies outlined in the Integrated Parking Management Plan. In developing that plan a variety of engagement was done in the community and the topic has been mentioned in local news a number of times over the previous two years. For more information on the development of the plan visit the Integrated Parking Management webpage
