Edmonton downtown business groups call removal of physical parking options ‘absurd’

An EPark pay machine in Edmonton on April 4, 2024. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton)

Downtown business groups are calling out the City of Edmonton for a decision they say will deliver “another blow” to the already struggling area.

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On Thursday, the Downtown Revitalization Coalition (DRC) and the 124 Street Business Association issued statements on the city’s decision to remove all physical parking meters by the end of July.

Both groups said downtown Edmonton is already coping with construction and declining foot traffic and they believe the move to mobile-only could further hamper efforts to draw people to the area.

“We work hard to attract visitors, support entrepreneurs and create a welcoming, walkable environment. Replacing parking meters with a mobile-only system creates unnecessary friction – especially for seniors, tourists and anyone without a smartphone or data plan," Luwam Kiflemariam, executive director of the 124 Street association, said.

“This move is not only inconsiderate – it’s actively harmful to the downtown economy and to the very people we need to be welcoming back into our core,” said DRC chair Cheryll Watson.

The city started phasing out E-Park machines in April, replacing them with the mobile-only HotSpot parking app.

At that time, the city said the new system would be simpler and faster and would avoid the $2.8 million needed to replace outdated parking meters that could not take chip and pin payments.

On Friday, Jenny Albers, from traffic operations at the City of Edmonton, said moving to HotSpot was one of several initiatives proposed to city council that would have provided “opportunities for operational savings.”

“As a result, to minimize the 2025 tax increase and to focus efforts on core services, Edmonton City Council approved a decision to remove E-Park machines and switch to a mobile-only payment system,” Albers said in a statement.

Remaining E-Park machines in Edmonton will stop working on July 31. Between may 15 and then, machines will be removed in stages from lowest- to highest-demand areas.

The city said machines in parkades and parking zones near Rogers Place will be removed last.

The DRC said seniors, students, tourists and those without smartphones will all be impacted by the decision. It believes moving to mobile-only will make visiting downtown less accessible and “deeply frustrating.”

“We’re talking about people trying to grab coffee between errands, attend a concert at the Winspear, support a local gallery or small shop — and now we’re asking them to download an app, create an account and upload a payment method just to park their car? It’s absurd.”

Albers said there are HotSpot options for people who don’t have a credit card or a smartphone, including paying by phone call.

“Customers without a phone, credit card or debit card to pay may ask a trusted friend or family member to manage their parking through the HotSpot Parking app or website,” she said. “Private parking lots and facilities are also available, with some taking cash.”

Coun. Aaron Paquette tabled a motion earlier this week to review the decision over concerns that people without a smartphone or credit card won’t be able to access parking through the app.

Administration is preparing a report on the demand for physical parking options. However, that report is not expected to be reviewed by city council until after the municipal election in October.

Both groups said they want the city to immediately put in free evening and weekend parking across downtown until it has a clear, inclusive transition plan in place.

Albers said the city is not considering any further changes to hours of operation, and that maintaining parking revenue is part of efforts to manage future tax increases.

She said the city is planning a communication and education campaign to help with the change.

Information and resources on the changes to Edmonton parking can be found on the city’s website.