Edmonton to transition to mobile-only parking system this spring and summer

Starting April 14, the City of Edmonton will make significant adjustments to its EPark program, including the removal of all physical parking machines in favor of a mobile-only payment system.

The city says this change will help streamline the parking process and reduce operating costs.

The existing EPark machines, which are outdated and require upgrades to accept chip and pin payments, would need to be replaced at a cost of $2.8 million.

To avoid these substantial expenses and minimize the 2025 tax increase, Edmonton City Council approved the decision to switch entirely to a mobile-based payment system.

Residents will be able to pay for parking through the HotSpot Parking app, online, or by phone.

“We recognize removing the EPark machines represents a significant change for some customers,” said Jenny Albers, General Supervisor of Planning and Permitting. “The City will support Edmontonians in adopting alternative, convenient options to pay for parking. We’re doing so by installing signs with information on how to pay for EPark, taking a phased approach to machine removal, and providing 24/7 customer support via HotSpot.”

In addition to the shift to mobile payments, starting July 1, Edmonton will remove the two-hour parking limit in on-street EPark zones during evenings and weekends. This change, based on public feedback and data from an EPark program review, aims to provide additional parking flexibility for customers and support local businesses.

“By reducing the use of two-hour on-street parking limits, we will provide parkers with additional flexibility and support businesses near EPark zones,” added Albers. “Eliminating these limits in the evenings and on weekends better enables visitors to explore all Edmonton has to offer.”

Key timelines for the transition include:

• Between March 31 and April 14, decals will be placed on all machines to inform customers of the upcoming changes.
• From April 14 to May 31, machine removals will begin in lower-usage zones such as North Edge, Alberta Avenue, Kingsway, Stony Plain, 124 Street, and Old Strathcona.
• From May 15 to July 31, removals will extend to downtown Edmonton, including key parkades like the City Hall and Stanley A. Milner parkades.

As of July 1, the two-hour parking limit will be lifted in all on-street EPark zones on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.