By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

City to Replace Aging Parking Meters with Smart Technology

Sep 19, 2016 | 4:32 PM

LETHBRIDGE – It’s a big move for Lethbridge’s downtown that Mayor Chris Spearman says will bring about a “big cultural shift”.

After two years of extensive studies and public engagement, the City of Lethbridge is now ready to move to modern parking technology.

Val Fellger, City Parking Coordinator, says it’s really a welcome change. She explained that the current parking meters are more than ten years old, and are experiencing increased operating, theft and vandalism issues as a result.

Council decided on Monday (September 19), in a 5-1 vote, that a hybrid option would go ahead. When installed, it will consist of 170 pay-by-plate multi-space payment machines monitored by a license plate recognition system, as well as 60 single space smart meters at handicap accessible stalls, enforced by a foot patrol.

Coins will still be accepted at the new meters, but will also include options to pay by credit card or a new smartphone app. There will be no change to parking rates.

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Fellger says the change has been hailed among downtown stakeholders. “About 81-per cent of the survey respondents chose this as the technology option… We made sure to work hard to engage with downtown businesses. We took extra time to meet with the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ), Chamber of Commerce and the Heart of Our City Committee.”

The project will also expand metered parking to all 1,922 stalls currently available in the downtown, 1,526 of which are already metered while the other 396 are unmetered but time restricted. Nearly $624,000 in revenue is expected to be generated, with $800,000 in anticipated operating costs.

The almost $2-million installation is set to get underway in late spring or early summer of 2017, and all of the new meters should be operational by late summer. Funding was previously allocated in the Capital Improvement Program as part of the Parking Reserve, and Fellger believes that it can be completed within that budget.

“We’ll probably be retaining a consultant to help us write the procurement documents. Because we’re using three different types of technology, we need to make sure they all operate and are compatible with each other,” Fellger added, about the next step in the process.

A trial period will begin this winter, after the procurement is finalized, in order to determine the best provider.

The City of Lethbridge stated that paid parking is used to discourage all-day parking, ensuring it’s available for shoppers and visitors.