The City of Winnipeg is moving toward a more modern, digital-first approach to paid parking – one that’s already being used by the vast majority of drivers and will save taxpayers millions of dollars.
“This is about meeting people where they are,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Most drivers are already using their phones to pay for parking. We’re building on that shift and making smart financial decisions that reflect how people interact with City services today. The millions we’ll save can be redirected to other City priorities.”
Currently, more than 80 percent of paid parking transactions are completed through the PayByPhone app, and 90 percent are paid by credit card. With mobile usage continuing to grow, the City is expanding this digital-first system and phasing out physical paystations that are outdated, underused, and expensive to maintain.
Removing the aging paystations will save the City $3.6 million in replacement costs and cut approximately $1 million annually in operating expenses. The transition begins July 2 and will be complete by August 31. The move was triggered by changes to Canada’s mobile networks that will eliminate the 3G service used by the current paystations.
Prepaid Parking Booklets will be available for those who prefer to pay with cash, and additional signage is being added to help support the transition.
Gillingham emphasized this shift is part of a broader effort to find efficiencies across City operations. A newly created Budget Savings Group, made up of Councillors and senior staff, is actively identifying cost-saving opportunities across departments.
“We’re modernizing how City services work while protecting taxpayers’ dollars,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, Chairman of Property and Development. “This is one example of the kind of practical, forward-looking changes we’re making to deliver better value for Winnipeggers.”
For more information on parking in Winnipeg, visit [winnipeg.ca/parking]winnipeg.ca/parking.