Parking Infrastructure Improvement Project

The City of Red Deer is replacing the parking technology and infrastructure in 2023. Visit this page for updates throughout the project.
Parking Infrastructure Project image

We’re implementing a new parking system that will make it easier to visit your favourite downtown Red Deer businesses and events. By the end of September 2023, parking meters will be removed and parking sessions can be paid for through a mobile app, quick-access QR code, or by pay station.

This new technology will be easier to understand and use and will provide a streamlined customer experience for downtown workers and visitors.

Project update – April 4, 2023

HotSpot LogoWe’re pleased to announce HotSpot has been selected as the service provider for the new downtown parking system, including equipment and software. The HotSpot app is used in several other Canadian cities and we’re excited to launch it in Red Deer.

The new technology enables:

  • Consistent parking equipment and payment methods throughout downtown
  • The introduction of License Plate Recognition (LPR) software as the method to reinforce paid parking
  • Enhanced reporting and data collection
  • Alignment with the Parking Management Strategy (pdf):
    • Customer Focus
    • Economic Development
    • Financial Sustainability
    • Multimodal Transportation

HotSpot mobile app features:

  • Pay for and extend your parking from your phone
  • Avoid tickets with auto alerts
  • Save money by refunding unfinished sessions
  • Pay for parking tickets from your phone
  • Find parking using a real-time map

Regular updates will be posted to this page as we work towards an end of September launch of our new parking system. Check back for more details or sign up for email alerts.

The City of Red Deer thanks the Government of Alberta for supporting this project through Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding.

More information

Parking Management Strategy (pdf)

Questions about downtown parking may be directed to The City’s Inspections & Licensing department at 403-342-8185 or cityparking@reddeer.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the new parking system?

The new technology is easy to use and offers more flexibility for customers. It is simple to manage and pay for parking, whether using the app, the quick-access QR code, or a pay station. Customers will have the option to extend or cancel their parking session from a mobile device.

Hotspot mobile app features:

  • Pay for and extend parking from a mobile device
  • Avoid parking tickets with automatic alerts
  • Save money by refunding unfinished sessions
  • Pay for parking tickets from a mobile device
  • Find available parking using a real-time map

HotSpot utilizes Amazon Web Services (AWS) for data storage which has industry leading security.

Pay Stations

Where are the new pay stations located?

This is not confirmed as of May 10, 2023. Staff are working with HotSpot to determine the ideal locations for the pay stations. We know there will be 19 pay stations downtown and two near the hospital.

Coins, credit card (Visa, MasterCard), contactless tap (Visa, MasterCard, Interac), Visa Debit, Apple Pay and Google Pay payment options are available at the new pay stations.

Payment Options

What payment options are available at the pay stations?

Coins, credit card (Visa, MasterCard), contactless tap (Visa, MasterCard, Interac), Visa Debit, Apple Pay and Google Pay payment options are available at the new pay stations

Parking cards may not be refilled and will not continue to be sold once the new system launches.

How can I pay for parking if I do not have access to or do not wish to use the mobile app?
  • Pay stations located throughout downtown accept multiple forms of payment.
  • Fast tap signs with a scannable QR code available on street will allow customers to pay via the HotSpot website without using the app or creating an account.
  • Payment options may be available at City Hall. This option is being explored by the project team.
I don’t have access to a credit card. How can I pay for parking?

The new pay stations accept coins, Interac, Visa Debit, Apple Pay and Google Pay, in addition to credit cards. Payment options may be available in City Hall, and the project team is working to confirm this.

I don’t visit downtown often and do not wish to create a HotSpot account to pay for parking.

HotSpot offers a quick-access QR Code for customers who do not wish to create an account. A credit card is required. Payment may also be made at a pay station.

SmartCard Parking Cards

Does my SmartCard parking card work with the new system?

Parking cards will remain an option for customers with funds remaining on their card(s). These customers may continue to use their SmartCard to pay for parking until the funds are depleted, at which time they may use one of the many alternative payment methods.

Parking cards may not be refilled and will not continue to be sold once the new system launches.

Monthly Parking Permits

How are monthly permit holders affected by the new system launch?

Monthly permits will be transferred to HotSpot. Pass holders will receive an email instructing them to download and register with HotSpot to manage their parking pass going forward. If a monthly permit holder does not wish to use the mobile app, they may pay for their parking in person via a City Hall cashier.

The rates for monthly permits will not change when the new system launches.

Will the availability of monthly parking change?

No, the quantity and location of monthly parking will not change with the implementation of the new system.

Parking Rates & User Fees

Will parking rates increase?

No, parking rates will not increase when the new system is launched. However, parking zones may be adjusted, which could affect customers and businesses.

There are no additional user fees for customers.

Parking Lots

How are parking lots affected?

Pay stations in lots will be removed and new pay stations will be installed throughout downtown for parking customers. Customers using parking lots can also pay for their parking using the HotSpot mobile app or quick access QR code.

Pay station payment options include coins, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), contactless tap (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Interac), Visa Debit, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Removal of old equipment (pay stations and meters)

When will the parking meters and old pay stations be removed?

The extraction dates have not been confirmed, but this work is expected to take place in summer 2023.

What will happen to the parking meters and old pay stations once they are removed

The City is exploring options for repurposing, sale or recycling the parking meters, once they are removed.

Staff & Budget Impacts

How is the project funded?

The funding source is a Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) grant from the provincial government.

Will there be job losses or additions because of the new technology?

Though some processes for managing parking will change with the implementation, there are no staffing implications anticipated at this time. Following implementation, staffing needs will continue to be evaluated and compared with data regarding downtown parking use.