What you need to know about incoming changes to Edmonton public parking
The City of Edmonton is launching a new system it says will make paying for parking "simpler and faster."
On April 29, parking management in Edmonton will be taken over by HotSpot Parking and a new app will launch a few weeks later.
Unlike the current MyEPark app, HotSpot won't require a minimum balance, allowing drivers to pay as they go.
Other features the city said will improve the parking experience include digital permits (removing the need for physical hang tags) and improved self-serve options.
"There will be much more improved notifications within there as reminders to stop and your parking sessions, to be able to update to be able to see a map of all the different parking that's available," Jenny Albers, from the City of Edmonton, said.
Customers will be able to pay by scanning a QR code with their mobile device, through the HotSpot app, visiting htsp.ca/ed, or using coins or credit cards at the machine.
"All you have to do is pull out your phone, scan the QR code, and then it will show a screen where you enter in your licence plate, how long you want to park, and then you're able to add in your payment information and receive your receipt and you're all confirmed for parking," Albers said.
The city said EPark pay machines will remain and will continue to accept credit cards or cash, while the new HotSpot mobile system will take payments through an app or by scanning a QR code on a pay machine.
The transition to the new system starts April 29 and is expected to be complete by May 15.
"Hotspot will take over payment services on April 29 and will launch the App on May 15; this is because it takes time to transfer accounts over to the new system," the city said.
The auto load up feature for MyEPark has been disabled, the city said, and anyone with a balance of $25 or more in their account will have their balance transferred to the new system between April 29 and May 15.
During that time, those funds will not be available and the city said drivers will have to pay as they go through the other available methods.
Account holders with less than $25 remaining will have to request a refund online, which can be done now or after the transition is complete.
"Anyone who is transitioning will receive an email from HotSpot prompting them to reset their password and set up an account so they're ready to go for May 15," Albers said.
To request a refund, visit the City of Edmonton website.
Anyone who does not have an account will be able to set one up on the HotSpot app on May 15.
The city said there will be no extra costs associated with operating the new system.
"HotSpot's also going to be providing 24/7 support to customers, so they'll be able to feel supported throughout the transition and throughout when they're using the app or fast tap payment option as well," Albers said.
HotSpot, owned by international design company Arcadis, is used by around 150 cities, mostly in Canada.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Wildfires are dampening against cool, rainy weather, but there's plenty left to contain
An opportune system of cool, wet weather Friday is dampening the spread of wildfires across Western Canada, but there's still plenty of work for responders and residents alike.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.