The City of Red Deer says an incoming new parking system should help you avoid the above situation. (Photo 54650964 © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

coming this summer

HotSpot selected as new pay parking provider for downtown Red Deer

Apr 5, 2023 | 9:14 AM

The way you pay for parking in downtown Red Deer, and near the hospital, is about the change.

Starting this summer, the city’s paid parking areas will use equipment and software provided by HotSpot.

The Fredericton, New Brunswick-based company was selected by the City following a competitive bid process.

“HotSpot’s technology offers many improvements over the current system and we’re confident this upgrade will provide an enhanced customer experience for Red Deer residents and visitors,” said Amy Fengstad, Acting Manager of Inspections & Licensing.

“The HotSpot app and new pay stations are very user-friendly. When the new system launches, it will be easier than ever to visit downtown businesses and events.”

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HotSpot’s system uses License Plate Recognition software as the method for reinforcing paid parking,

Among the benefits HotSpot offers, The City says, are that customers can:

-pay for and extend parking sessions from their mobile device

-avoid tickets with auto-alerts

-save money by refunding unfinished sessions

-find parking using a real-time map

-pay for parking uses a QR code or by visiting one of nine pay stations in the downtown and hospital area

The company’s tech also allows for more enhanced reporting and data collection to better understand how parking options are used, which enables data-based decision-making for future improvements.

Funding for this project comes from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative, The City notes.

HotSpot is also used in Lacombe County at Sandy Point and Sunbreaker Cove, as well as several other Alberta municipalities.

The City confirms there will be no membership fees to use HotSpot despite some conflicting information on the company’s website.

More about this change is at reddeer.ca/parkingproject.