Edmonton city council to discuss delaying removal of EPark metres

Edmonton has begun removing parking meters, as the city transitions to an online payment system called Hotspot, which is payable only on your phone.

This decision was made to save taxpayers money, but people on Whyte Avenue say it’s a hassle.

“You’re really removing a huge part of accessibility for people that can pay,” said one Edmontonian CityNews spoke to.

Another saying, “I think there’s a place in the world for cash. Sometimes, people forget their phone, their phone dies, whatever it is.”

“I don’t know if there’s going to be other costs that are involved in the app, or an invasion of privacy even, but it would be nice just to have the option to have it on the street.”

The machines need upgrades so people can use chipped payment cards. But that would cost the taxpayer $2.8 million, and with the financial crunch to keep the city’s property tax increases at a minimum, the upgraded machines were scrapped.

“I just wonder where that $2.5 million is going now.”

But one city councillor says it’s happening too soon, and wants to delay the removal of physical payment machines at least for a little longer because he feels this is just too inconvenient for seniors and those visiting the city.

“They’re used to paying in change and cash, right, and so they don’t even have an app to speak of. Now, there obviously are ways for them to pay, but it seems really roundabout. It’s like asking people to do 12 things before you can open a door,” said Aaron Paquette, the councillor of Ward Dene.

Decals like this have been placed on all machines to let people know of the changes.

When the machines are taken, new signs will be posted nearby highlighting other parking payment options like the QR code, Hotspot parking’s website, or you can pay by phone by calling a number, but you have to already have a Hotspot account.

Paquette hopes the administration can find another way of keeping quick and simple payments available, noting the transition could’ve gone more smoothly to support those who are not as tech savvy.

“Maybe there should’ve been some time for some second thoughts,” said Paquette.

Late Tuesday, city council was told there was no way to pause the removal of the metres at this time because of contracts, instead, they passed a motion to explore options to improve parking payment accessibility, but answers on that are not expected until the fall.

All physical parking metres will be removed by the end of July.