As the Municipality of Jasper prepares to roll out its residents’ credit system, the town’s recently-developed paid parking program has issued nearly 100 violation tickets and grossed upwards of $50,000 in revenue. 

“Visitors are clearly paying,” said Director of Protective and Legislative Services, Christine Nadon.

But unless they park downtown a lot, Jasperites themselves won’t need to pay for parking. As decided by Jasper municipal council in the spring, Jasper residents will have 500 hours of credits to use while parked in the downtown or surrounding paid parking zones. That credit system is now active.

“But it only works if you have a residential permit,” Nadon said.

Residents can obtain their parking permits through the HotSpot App. So far more than 1,000 residents have done so, Nadon said. 

Using the credit system

Those who have obtained a resident parking permit will get an email from HotSpot with a “discount code,” which they can then apply through their HotSpot App. To apply the code, they’ll be required to input the zone in which they are parking. Time slots are allocated in 15 minute increments.

“I don’t think most residents will run over 500 hours,” Nadon said.

If they don’t have a smartphone, residents can apply for a technology and mobility exemption; they’ll have to visit the municipality’s office to do so. Exemption permits granted last summer carry over to 2022.

Business permits

Commercial business owners who require downtown parking to complete their work can also apply for exemption permits. Business permits can be obtained for businesses with company vehicles, however, those businesses with two vehicles or less in their fleets should sign up for a resident’s permit, Nadon suggested.

Time limits
Paid parking is in effect from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, on-street parking is only available to residents in two-hour increments. Those residents requiring longer stays should consider parking in a designated parking lot, Nadon said.

Rates

For visitors, on-street parking rates are $3/hour while parking in designated lots costs $2/hour. Visitors can also choose to pay $12 to park all day in a parking lot.

Nadon said her staff has been fielding residents’ complaints, not all of which have been articulated in kind, reasonable fashion. In the future, Nadon hopes residents needing to air their frustrations with the program will do so in the form of a written letter addressed to mayor and council.

“We appreciate it’s a big change,” she said. “And we’re here to help. But it’s mandatory we maintain a respectful environment for our staff.”

Paid parking will be in effect until October 31.  More details are available at www.jasper-alberta.ca/p/parking

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com