New Winnipeg parking strategy opens door to nix some free parking, add app

A city committee has given the thumbs up to a new strategy for parking vehicles in Winnipeg.

A plan to modernize Winnipeg’s parking strategy has been given its first green light.

Called the Winnipeg Parking and Mobility Strategy, the plan is billed as the city’s new road map to manage on and off-street parking access and mobility services through the Winnipeg Parking Authority (WPA).

The city’s public works committee approved a motion to implement the strategy at a meeting on Thursday, allowing the blueprint to move through city hall for further approval.

The strategy has three main goals – managing curbside space, encouraging sustainable transportation, and enhancing services to improve the overall parking experience.

To achieve this, the city’s rates and hours for its nearly 4,000 paid, on-street spaces could be overhauled to align with demand.

That could mean charging evening or weekend parking rates in certain, high demand areas where it is currently free, or lowering or removing fees altogether in areas with less need.

However, this will not function like dynamic pricing, WPA staff clarified, where rates rise and fall in real-time to meet demand. Instead, rates will adjust as needed based on trends observed over time.

The strategy also includes adding regular reviews and adjustments of parking rates.

Rate changes aimed at freeing up more spots

In a presentation to the public works committee, WPA officials said the proposed rate changes are not about raking in more money from drivers, but rather boosting turnover and access to more spots.

“Revenue is an outcome of paid parking but the purpose of it is really to make it easier for people to find a place to park for the destination that they’re trying to go to,” said Ajaleigh Williams, who works in the WPA division of the city’s public works department.

The strategy also adds data-driven management and enforcement tools to improve spot turnover, all with an overall goal of keeping two spots available per city block.

Progressive fines could also be levied against repeat violators, so they’ll be more inclined to comply with parking rules, freeing up spots faster.

‘Part of a larger mobility strategy’

The strategy also proposes working with outside partners to install on-street electric vehicle charging stations and launching a centralized app to give motorists real-time information on where parking is available, rates and more.

Other highlights - on-street paid parking time limits could be extended in the Exchange District near RRC Polytech and the theatre district.

The policy also looks at adding more loading zones as a way of balancing curbside demand between parking, taxis, rideshare, food delivery, and accessibility.

Also built into the plan – annual surveys to get feedback from the public and stakeholders on how the strategy is working.

WPA officials said the plan takes a holistic approach to how the curbside space and mobility intersect in a growing city, recognizing parking today is about more than where people park.

“It’s part of a larger mobility system that shapes how people move, how businesses operate and how streets function,” Williams said.

The policy now requires approval from the executive policy committee before heading to council for final approval.

If it clears that last hurdle, the strategy would be rolled out over five years with consultation from businesses and residents, while some items will still require budget approval.

Coun. Janice Lukes, chair of the public works committee, said public input will play a vital role in finalizing the strategy.

“We will be undertaking extensive public consultation to gather feedback and ideas from the community, local businesses, and key stakeholders on multiple aspects of the Winnipeg Parking and Mobility Strategy,” she said.