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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.