The launch of the city’s new parking pay system will be delayed until the middle of September.
The city is removing all parking stall meters in the downtown and near Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, and parking sessions will be paid through the mobile app HotSpot, a quick-access QR code, or at parking pay stations.
Monthly parking permits will also be transferred to the new system.
Pay stations will give people the option of paying with coins, credit cards, tap, Visa Debit, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Amy Fengstad, the city’s acting inspections and licensing manager, said accessing equipment and procuring some final contracts have delayed the switch to the new pay system.
But it’s still full-steam ahead.
“Watch for the announcements to come out. We’re excited for this new advancement for the city. I think it’s going to be much easier for our customers than the old system which haven’t been quite as reliable,” said Fengstad about the HotSpot app used by other Alberta municipalities.
If people use the app, they will be able to pay for and extend their parking from their phone, avoid tickets with auto alerts, save money by refunding unfinished sessions, find parking using a real-time map, and pay for parking tickets from their phone.
Related:
Downtown Red Deer’s parking metres to be replaced this summer
Fengstad said there will be about 21 pay stations divided between the downtown and hospital parking zones, and there won’t be heavy-handed enforcement to start. Teams will patrol the streets to assist drivers who have questions.
“It’s really about getting people familiar and comfortable with the new system.”
People with funds remaining on smart parking cards will be able to use the cards at pay stations until the funds are depleted. Cards will not be able to be refilled so another payment method will be necessary.
Related:
Lots of entertainment, special events in Red Deer’s downtown this summer
Parking rates will not increase when the new system is launched. Free parking will still be available on weekends and in the evening.
For more information visit reddeer.ca.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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