EPark is a municipal parking management system developed and operated by the City of Edmonton to control and collect fees for on-street parking in various areas of the city. The EPark system covers on-street parking in the downtown core and other commercial areas, as well as parking in some city parking garages. Unlike private parking garages operated by companies such as Impark or Vibe Parking, EPark is provided directly by the City of Edmonton as part of its location planning and traffic management.
The EPark system was created to address several key issues faced by large cities: encouraging people to park properly, keeping parked cars in balance so that there are not too many crowded or too many empty areas, and generating revenue for the city. Instead of simply allowing people to park anywhere, EPark has implemented a system of paid zones where people must pay for parking based on the amount of time they park.
The history of EPark: from coins to mobile parking
Understanding the evolution of EPark helps people understand why the system looks the way it does today. The EPark system was not always a digital, mobile system. Initially, when it was introduced, people had to insert coins into parking meters located on the street near each parked car.
In 2015, the city of Edmonton introduced the first digital version of the system, choosing MyEPark — a mobile app managed by Calgary Parking that allowed people to pay for parking via their smartphone instead of inserting coins. The MyEPark system was a big step forward, allowing people to pay for parking remotely and track their parking expenses.
However, after more than a decade of working with Calgary Parking, the city of Edmonton decided to change the system. In 2024, the city announced that it would switch to a new payment system called HotSpot Parking, offered by HotSpot Parking Corporation. The main reason for the transition was that the old MyEPark system was outdated, and the physical parking meters were not compatible with modern payment standards (they only accepted magnetic stripe credit cards, not chip-and-PIN cards).
The transition to HotSpot Parking began in April 2024, when the city announced that it would discontinue MyEPark on April 29, 2024. Until that date, people could use their MyEPark accounts, but after that date, the entire system was migrated to HotSpot. Accounts with more than $25 were automatically transferred to HotSpot, and accounts with less than $25 had the option to request a refund.
From physical parking meters to a fully mobile system
Starting in April 2025, the city of Edmonton began removing all physical EPark parking meters from the streets. This was part of a plan to transition entirely to a mobile payment system. The removal of parking meters was done gradually, starting in areas with the least use of parking meters (such as North Edge, Alberta Avenue, Kingsway), and then in areas with greater use. By July 31, 2025, all physical parking meters in central areas, including the Rogers Place Event Zone, had been removed.
The reason for removing the parking meters was not only because they were technically outdated, but also because the city wanted to simplify the parking system and make it more accessible to modern users. Instead of carrying coins or cards to the parking meter, people can now pay for parking directly from their smartphone.
HotSpot Parking App: the main tool for using EPark
Today, the main way to pay for EPark parking in Edmonton is through the HotSpot Parking App. It is a mobile app available on Google Play and the Apple Store that allows people to pay for parking directly from their smartphone.
Downloading and setting up the HotSpot Parking App
The first step to using EPark is to download the HotSpot Parking App to your smartphone. The app is available for both Android devices (on Google Play) and iOS devices (on the Apple Store). The download process is very simple: just open the appropriate app store on your device, search for “HotSpot Parking,” and click the ‘Download’ or “Install” button.
After downloading the app, you will need to create an account. This process requires you to enter some basic information: your name, email address, and payment card information (credit card or debit card). HotSpot Parking accepts major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard.
It is important to understand that HotSpot Parking uses a “pay-as-you-go” model, which means that you do not need to prepay a certain amount before you start using the system, as was the case with MyEPark, which required a minimum balance of $25. With HotSpot Parking, you simply need to have a valid credit card, and the system will automatically charge your card for parking when you use it.
The process of paying for parking via the HotSpot App
Once you have installed the HotSpot Parking App and created an account, the process of paying for parking is very simple. When you park in an EPark zone, follow these steps:
First, open the HotSpot Parking App on your smartphone and tap the “Parking” or “Park Now” button at the bottom of the screen. The app will show you a map of the current area and available parking spaces, as well as color coding to show how many spaces are available in each zone.
Second, enter the number of the parking zone where you will be parking. The zone number is usually located on signs on the street where the parking spaces are located. However, if you have a smartphone, you can also scan the QR code located on the new HotSpot alarm on the road, and the zone number will be filled in automatically. This makes the system much easier than having to remember or find the zone number.
Third, enter your license plate number. This is an important step because the system uses the plate number to link the parking session to your car. If you park frequently, you can save your plate numbers in the app so you don't have to enter them every time.
Fourth, select how long you want to park. HotSpot Parking allows you to select parking times in various increments (usually in one-hour or half-hour increments). You can also extend your parking later through the app if you need to park longer than you originally planned.
Fifth, press the “Park” or “Start Session” button to begin your parking session. The system will automatically charge your credit card for the parking time you selected.
Alternative ways to pay for EPark
In addition to the HotSpot Parking App, there are other ways to pay for EPark parking:
HotSpot Website: If you don't have a smartphone or don't want to download the app, you can pay for parking through the HotSpot website at htsp.ca/ed. The process on the website is very similar to the process in the app—you enter the parking zone number, your license plate number, select the parking duration, and pay with your credit card.
QR code on the alarm: As mentioned above, you can simply scan the QR code on the new HotSpot alarm on the road, and it will automatically open the HotSpot web page where you can pay for parking.
Phone line: If you already have a HotSpot account, you can also pay for parking by calling 1-855-712-5888 and asking the operator to start a parking session on your behalf. However, it is important to understand that the operator requires you to already have an account with your payment card information on file—the operator cannot accept credit card information over the phone for security reasons.
Understanding EPark rates and time limits
One of the most confusing aspects of EPark for new users is the complex system of rates and time limits. EPark rates vary depending on the day of the week, time of day, and specific parking zone, so understanding these differences is critical to determining how much your parking will cost.
Basic EPark Rates
Daytime (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM on weekdays): During this period, which is considered “peak time,” street parking in major areas costs approximately $3.50 per hour. However, in some of the most popular areas, such as Rice Howard Way, 102 Street between 102 and 103 Avenue, and 103 Street between 103 and 104 Avenue, rates can increase to $4.50 per hour. These increased rates are designed to keep parked cars in balance—if too many people park in popular areas, congestion will occur in those areas, and the city increases rates to encourage people to park in less popular areas.
Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM on weekdays): After 4:00 PM on weekdays, parking rates drop significantly. During this period, parking typically costs around $2.50 per hour or less. In addition, starting in July 2025, the 2-hour parking limit that applies during the day has been removed during the evening hours. This means that you can park for as long as you need to during the evening hours without worrying about the 2-hour limit.
Weekends (8:00 AM - 9:00 PM on Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Sundays): Parking is also cheaper on weekends than on weekdays during the day. Starting in July 2025, the 2-hour limit has also been removed on weekends. This means you can park for as long as you need on weekends.
Maximum daily amount: EPark has set a maximum daily parking amount of approximately $20 per day for street parking. This means that even if you park for the entire day, you will not pay more than $20.
First 15 minutes free
One of the most useful features of EPark is that the first 15 minutes of parking are completely free. This means that if you park to quickly pick something up from a store and return within 15 minutes, you won't pay anything. This feature is automatically applied when you start your parking session, so you don't need to do anything special to take advantage of it.
2-hour parking limit
In most central EPark zones, there is a 2-hour parking limit from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. This means that you cannot park in one spot for more than 2 hours without interruption during this period. However, it is important to understand that this restriction only applies to daytime hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. After 4:00 PM on weekdays and on weekends, this restriction does not apply.
The 2-hour restriction is designed to ensure that parking spaces are not occupied by one person all day, which would reserve the space for other people who want to park for a shorter period of time.
Rogers Place Event Rates
When large events (Oilers games, concerts) with an expected attendance of over 5,000 people are held at Rogers Place, special parking rates apply to parking zones from 97 Street to 109 Street and from Jasper Avenue to 107 Avenue. During these times, street rates increase from the usual $3.50-$4.50 per hour to special event rates, which can be significantly higher. Park decks often offer a flat rate of $5.00 per hour, with a maximum of $20 per event.
EPark operating hours
It is important to understand that EPark only operates at certain times:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This means that if you park between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM the next day (Monday through Friday or Saturday), you do not have to pay for parking because EPark is not in operation during those times. However, this does not mean that parking is completely free during these hours—it simply means that the city does not manage parking payments during these hours.
EPark Zones: How to Find Your Zone Number
One of the least intuitive aspects of EPark for new users is finding their parking zone number. Unlike previous parking systems, where the zone number was written on the parking meter, EPark zones are identified slightly differently.
Street signs
The parking zone number is usually located on street signs within the parking spaces. However, EPark signs are often small and can be easily missed, especially if you are parking for the first time.
QR code scanning
The easiest way to find the zone number is to simply take out your smartphone and scan the QR code on the new HotSpot alarm located on the road. When you scan the QR code, the HotSpot web page will automatically fill in the zone number for you, so you don't have to enter it manually.
HotSpot App Map
If you use the HotSpot App, you can also use the map in the app to find available parking zones near your location. The app will show you all available zones with color coding to indicate how many spaces are available in each zone.
HotSpot Zone List
The HotSpot Parking website also has a list of all available EPark zones in Edmonton, with names and numbers. This list can be useful if you know the area where you want to park but don't know the exact zone number.
EPark Monthly Permits
For people who park regularly in downtown Edmonton, EPark offers monthly parking permits, which are often a more economical option than daily parking.
How to Get a Monthly Permit
To get an EPark monthly permit, open the HotSpot Parking App, tap “Permits” at the bottom of the screen, then tap “Purchase a Permit”. The app will then ask you to select your city (Edmonton), parking zone, permit type (monthly), and permit duration.
Price of monthly permits
The price of monthly permits varies depending on the parking zone. Some zones are cheaper than others, depending on the demand for parking in that zone.
Residential parking permits
For people who live in residential areas of Edmonton, the city offers residential parking permits that allow residents to park in their neighborhood.
Restructuring of the residential permit program
In 2025, Edmonton introduced a new structure for residential parking permits. Previously, some areas had a permit system where residents were allowed to park for free on weekdays, while visitors had to pay. However, in 2024-2025, the city allowed 15 of the 19 residential permit zones to be eliminated, leaving only four restricted zones: Garneau, NAIT, Windsor Park, and Commonwealth Stadium.
Processing receipts and resolving issues
Sometimes people receive parking tickets even when they believe they have paid for parking. This can happen if:
- Your license plate number does not match the number entered into the system
- Your paid parking time has expired, but you did not notice
- The parking session was not started correctly in the app
If you have received a parking ticket but believe you have paid for parking, keep your receipt. HotSpot Parking keeps a history of all parking sessions in the app, so you can show your receipt from the app as proof that you have paid.
If you want to dispute the ticket, you will need to contact the City of Edmonton to request a review of the ticket. The review process can take up to 10 weeks, depending on the workload of the system.
Using EPark as a non-resident or tourist
For people visiting Edmonton for the first time or who rarely visit the city center, using EPark may seem complicated. However, with a little preparation, it's very simple.
Before arriving in the city
Before arriving in downtown Edmonton, it is recommended that you download the HotSpot Parking App and create an account. This can be done before you leave in a relaxed environment when you are not under time pressure.
Upon arrival in the city
Once you park in an EPark zone, simply open the HotSpot Parking App, enter the zone number (or scan the QR code), your license plate number, and select how long you want to park. The system will automatically charge your credit card.
Extending your parking
If you're not sure how long you'll be parking, just park for a shorter time and then extend your parking if you need more time. HotSpot Parking allows you to extend your parking in 15-minute increments through the app.
Tips for saving money on EPark parking
Even if EPark rates seem high, there are several ways to save money on parking in downtown Edmonton:
Park in the evening
If you have a choice of arrival time, park after 4:00 PM on weekdays or on weekends. Rates are significantly lower during these times, and the 2-hour limit is also removed.
Park a little further from the center
Park in a less popular area (for example, on 106th or 107th Street instead of the most popular 102nd-104th Street) and walk a few blocks. Less popular areas often have lower rates.
Take advantage of the first 15 minutes free
If you are only parking for a quick errand (e.g., to buy coffee), park in an EPark zone and return within 15 minutes to take advantage of free parking.
Consider monthly permits
If you park downtown more than 10-12 days per month, a monthly permit is often a more economical option.
The future of EPark and expansion plans
EPark continues to evolve. Recent changes, including the removal of the 2-hour limit in the evenings and on weekends, show that the city is trying to make parking more flexible and accessible for people who want to enjoy an evening in the city center. In the future, we can expect further improvements to the system, including potentially more real-time parking availability data and possibly dynamic rates that change based on demand.
Conclusion: EPark as a key system for parking in Edmonton
EPark is more than just a parking payment system—it is a comprehensive management system developed by the city of Edmonton to manage parking in the city, encourage people to park responsibly, and generate revenue for the city. With the transition to the HotSpot Parking App and the removal of physical parking meters, the system has become much simpler and more convenient for users.
Although EPark may seem complicated at first glance with its different rates, time limits, and zone numbers, with a little practice, it becomes very easy to use. The key to success is to download the HotSpot Parking App, create an account, save your license plate numbers, and then simply scan the QR code when parking.
For new EPark users, the most important thing is to understand the basic fare structure (daytime is more expensive, evenings and weekends are cheaper), know that the first 15 minutes are free, and understand where the parking zone numbers are located (usually on street signs or via QR code scanning). With this knowledge, parking in downtown Edmonton will become an easier and less stressful task, allowing you to focus on the real reason for your visit to the city center.