FAQ
Special Operating Agencies and the Winnipeg Parking Authority
Evolving Parking Operations in Winnipeg
Monthly and Residential Permits
Parking Planning and Property Issues
Private Property Parking / Other Parking Company Issues
Stolen, Abandoned Vehicles and Bicycles
Special Operating Agencies and the Winnipeg Parking Authority
What is a Special Operating Agency?
"SOA" is the term used to denote a government (municipal or provincial) agency that handles non core service functions on a full cost recovery basis. They run "like a business". SOA's operate at arms length from government, assisted by a Board of Advisors representing key stakeholders, and are fully or partially self supporting through sale of services to the public. Other terms used are Crown Corporations, or Authorities. They are very common in Canada, and more so in the US.
What is a Parking Authority?
It is a publicly owned and managed, self funding agency integrating On and Off Street parking facilities and related services. Typically, parking authorities manage city-owned parking operations and build parking lots and parkades in support of local objectives.
Why is it called an "authority"?
That's the most common and recognizable name convention for such an Agency in North America. The term "authority" means different things in different jurisdictions; in our case, we selected the term for name recognition denoting an SOA.
Are there parking authorities anywhere else?
Most major cities operate an integrated parking service. In Canada, there are very visible examples at the Toronto Parking Authority, the Calgary Parking Authority, and Vancouver EasyPark. For more examples and contacts see our web page Parking 'Round the Planet.
What is the Parking Authority supposed to do?
Parking is a valuable public resource that affects the life of a major city in many ways. In cases where local parking is controlled completely by the private sector, there may be price volatility, shortages of daily or hourly public parking, or minimal service standards. These can adversely affect land values, taxes, business development, growth and other key elements of a vibrant city. Parking authorities are able to participate in the local market to stabilize rates and standards of service, and to ensure that suitable high quality public parking is made available for use by customers and other stakeholders.
What does the Parking Authority cost the taxpayers?
Nothing. As a business, the WPA self generates its own revenues and pays all of its own expenses as well as contributing several millions of dollars toward improvement of City facilities, and a cash contribution in lieu of taxes. Each year, the WPA year end report will be publicly posted at www.theparkingstore.winnipeg.ca.
How does the Parking Authority manage its budget?
We submit a year end report and budget update through the Alternate Service Delivery Committee to Council in December. We appear before committee once a year or on request.
Does the Parking Authority compete with private enterprise?
No, the WPA partners with local parking operators to provide standardized services and to raise the level of services offered to Winnipeggers. Where we offer added services to our customers, they are available only at our facilities, only for our customers, and only at market rates on a full cost recovery basis.
Where the WPA develops a service or skill that can be beneficial to parkers generally, we make that available to the community and will assist other organizations in doing the same thing, so as to address our mission to improve the Winnipeg parking experience.
Does the Parking Authority pay taxes?
The WPA is set up to run as a business. It pays the City the equivalent of business taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, development fees and levies on its properties and activities exactly as would be required of any other business participating in the market. In addition, the Agency pays a further dividend to the City in lieu of use of On and Off Street parking assets.
Isn't parking just about money?
No, parking fees are a cost recovery on the investment already made. The WPA self generates its own development funding, so every dollar paid in parking fees is returned to customers in the form of better parking facilities and services in support of policy goals. Any funds over and above those needed for operations are retained for new facility construction and renewal.
Aren't parking lots all the same? How does Winnipeg fare?
The Canadian Parking Association maintains information on parking facility standards in Canadian cities.
City facilities were subjected to standards review in 2001 and failed. Our customers continue to emphasize the need for cleaner, safer, and more secure facilities. We have made major strides in since 2005 and in 2007 met the national standard and received accreditation.
The University of Manitoba and the Provincial Government operate also operate facilities with this accreditation.
Who is in charge of the Parking Authority?
The WPA has a professional Chief Operating Officer that runs the Agency day to day, in accordance with objectives determined by Council, through the Agency Board of Advisors representing major stakeholders, such as the BIZ organizations, CentreVenture and Destination Winnipeg. The WPA provides an annual report and update to Council once a year, which will be publicly available at its website www.the parkingstore.winnipeg.ca
The WPA is a public agency and considers all the citizens of Winnipeg to be its shareholders.
Where is the Parking Authority located?
At The Parking Store, 495 Portage Avenue at Colony (Rice Financial Building). The Parking Store is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6:00pm.
Parking Operations in Winnipeg
What is the Winnipeg Parking Authority supposed to do?
The WPA's mandate is to provide superior parking and associated services to the citizens of Winnipeg in pursuit of the Public Good, and to encourage others to do the same. WPA is responsible for the On Street metering system, Off Street city parking lots an garages, and parking enforcement citywide.
What is the WPA hoping to achieve through its operations?
Better quality parking operations on City properties, better quality parking operations in the city generally, more access to public parking in the downtown and throughout the City, business and customer friendly parking regulations, and a "one stop shop" for parking management issues in Winnipeg.
How has the WPA worked with local businesses to improve parking?
In 2007 the WPA set new local standards for public parkade and parking lot maintenance and value added services. Several parking lot owners and operators have followed suit.
Compliance with Parking Related By-Laws
How many parking tickets are issued each day?
About 350 on a regular business day, mostly for timed parking or No Parking/No Stopping type violations.
Isn't this too many?
The WPA considers one parking ticket to be too many. Unfortunately some drivers are not attentive to the posted regulations and create problems for other customers and stakeholders, and parking tickets are the most effective remedial practice. Other methods simply do not work. Numbers of tags issued is in keeping with other cities of similar size. In Winnipeg, the issuance of 350 tags (.01% of total parkers) allows 35,000 people to park successfully each day.
Winnipeg actually issues the lowest volume of tags per capita of major Canadian cities. Of 20 Canadian cities surveyed in 2005, Winnipeg issued the fewest tags for its population size, tied with Milton and Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Here's how some other cities fared:
Winnipeg |
.17 tags per capita population |
Saskatoon |
.54 tags per capita |
London |
.24 tags per capita |
Fredericton |
.44 tags per capita |
Vancouver |
.67 tags per capita |
If I have a problem with parking on my street who can I call?
Call the WPA By-Law Section at 204-986-6281 and we will assist.
If I have received a parking ticket in error, who can I call?
We do extensive internal quality control on parking tags, and officers take extensive notes and digital pictures of all occurrences. Errors are rare but sometimes occur. If you have identified an error on your parking ticket, or a parking ticket that has been issued in error, please send us a description of the event and we will investigate. If an error has been made, we can request a stay of proceedings from the Provincial prosecutor.
To initiate an investigation please send us a WRITTEN statement of the incident via mail, email or drop off, so that we can properly follow up with you. We can only do a thorough investigation if we have the written statement of facts. Please mark your correspondence ATTENTION: Quality Assurance
There is never a fee for this type of service. You can access this service electronically through our Request for Review form.
Why does the Winnipeg Parking Authority have the right to issue parking tickets?
WPA personnel are designated Special Constables and Winnipeg City Council and the Province of Manitoba have provided us with the same authority as the Winnipeg Police Service for issuance of tickets and summons pertaining to parking and non moving violations.
Are these actual tickets, like you get from the Police?
Absolutely, yes. If in doubt call the Winnipeg Police Service and they will confirm.
If I disagree with a parking ticket, what can I do about it?
If your ticket was correctly written, you are required to pay the penalty associated with the offence that has been assigned by City Council. If you disagree with the offence, at present, you may file a plea of Not Guilty, or Guilty with an Explanation with Provincial Court, and your case will be heard by a magistrate or Judge.
What if I refuse or forget to pay?
You are required by Provincial law to pay this obligation. We are linked to the Provincial vehicle registry database and produce monthly reminder statements to assist you in understanding your obligations.
If you disregard a ticket for two weeks, it will double in cost, becomes a default conviction in Provincial Court, and there are no further routes of appeal. If you fail to pay within 30 days you will become a SCOFFLAW. In accordance with the Summary Convictions Act, action will be taken including:
- Denial of any further services
- Administration fees assessed
- Towing of your vehicle from City property
- Collection Agency and credit action
- Denial of driver's license and registration
If I disagree with a City by-law that is enforced by a parking ticket, what should I do?
Call your Councilor and request a change to the By-Law. The needs of the City change from year to year and policy direction can occur at Council level.
What if I get towed?
Towing is a remedy available to a number of City departments and private interests; at the WPA we employ towing ONLY in the case where the removal of the vehicle is urgent due to emergency, traffic flow, blocking of required space, or some other urgent situation, or where a vehicle is a SCOFFLAW.
Towing is performed by a local towing company on contract to the City, and all fees associated with the tow are payable to reimburse the contractor, as is standard in most cities.
If you think your vehicle has been towed, give us a call at 204-986-6281. We will know if your vehicle was removed by our staff, and we may be able to help locate your vehicle if it was removed by others.
Who are the Parking Compliance Officers?
The Winnipeg Parking Authority contracts with a local private management firm to provide staffing for our parking compliance program. This is the case in most cities in North America. Prior to being designated Special Constables, all compliance officers are required to undergo an extensive training program to ensure they are familiar with the relevant by-laws and WPA policies and procedures.
What do I do if a parking compliance person is helpful or unhelpful?
Let us know about your experience at 311 or at 311@winnipeg.ca.
Who else can issue parking tickets?
In specific cases affecting their services and property interests, City by-law tickets can be issued by other agencies including:
- Winnipeg Transit
- Winnipeg Planning Property and Development
- CN Police
- Winnipeg Park Police
- Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre
- Grant Park Shopping Centre
- Polo Park Shopping Centre
- Initial Security
- Winnipeg Airport Security
- RCMP D Division
- Deer Lodge Hospital
- CP Police
- Public Works Department
- Seven Oaks Hospital
- St Boniface Hospital
- Grace Hospital
Parking tickets issued by these groups have the same remedies and force of law as tickets issued by the WPA directly.
Are businesses allowed to rent parking meter spaces?
Not usually, the City considers parking meter stalls to be a community resource. The WPA tries to be very business-friendly and, in some cases where the local community actively supports the business use of the space, and where there is no objection amongst stakeholders, the WPA may consider a special case use, but this is rare.
Who is in charge of Special Events?
The CAO Secretariat, Film and Cultural Affairs Division at 311.
If I have a question about a Special Event or a film shoot, who do I call?
Call the above number, explain your interest, and staff will assist you in finding the appropriate individual.
What facilities does the Parking Authority operate?
Winnipeg Square, Millennium Library and Civic Centre parkades.
Fort Street, Garry Street, Paulin Street, Stradbrook Avenue, Provencher Bridge and Alexander Docks lots. There are an additional 100 surface lots throughout the city.
Do City employees get free parking?
No, City employees pay the same rate for parking as everyone else.
Are WPA facilities safe, secure and clean?
Yes, we strive for a very high standard and more improvements are slated for 2009.
How do I know it's a WPA lot?
Watch for our Civic "P" brand.
What if I find a lot that looks unsafe or junky?
Give us a call, or report it to Planning Property and Development, Inspections Division at 311.
Does the WPA buy and sell parking lots?
No, WPA does not hold title to its lots. This is managed through Planning Property and Development, Real Estate Division.
How big is a parking stall?
The by-law calls for 8.5 ft X 20 ft.
When should I use an off street parking lot?
Whenever you plan to stay - or may be required to stay - at your destination longer than 30 minutes.
How many parking meter stalls are there?
Approximately 2,800
Where are the parking meters?
Winnipeg utilizes centralized pay station technology. Pay as you go curbside parking is located in the downtown; fees are $ 1 per hour to a 2 hour maximum. On the streets around the St Boniface Hospital and Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, most stalls are currently 4 hour zones at $2 per hour.
How do pay stations work?
Watch for the distinctive parking signs that depict the "P for Parking" symbol and a hand inserting a credit card into a machine. When you approach the machine, insert your credit card or coin and the machine will wake up. Then insert your card or coins and push the silver buttons to the right to purchase maximum time or increments of time as instructed. Push the green button to print a receipt and leave the receipt on your dash.
How far do I have to walk to do this?
About 4 car lengths. We have placed the machines close together for greater convenience.
What if I don't know how to use this machine?
Ask a passerby or find a merchant, or a parking enforcement officer or a Downtown Watch officer, all have been trained and are ready to provide a short instruction.
Do I take the receipt with me?
No leave it face side up on the dash so we can see your times.
When should I use a curbside parking space?
For short stay parking only. For longer stay parking, please use Off Street parking lots.
Who decides where parking pay stations go, what they cost, and how much time they offer?
Times terms and conditions are established by the WPA in consultation with its Board of Advisors and local community BIZ groups and interests. Parking meter rates are approved by Council.
Why can't On Street parking offer more time or less time?
As a result of input from our stakeholders, the majority of meters in the City have been converted to 2 hours. Some Meters at St. Boniface Hospital and the Health Sciences Centre campus allow 4 hours in recognition of the additional time that is often required when visiting these facilities.
What Do I do if I find a broken meter?
If you are in a surface parking lot, the majority these lots that are available for public access have two pay and display machines for use and, should one be out of order, then the public is asked to use the other machine. Should both machines be out of order, then the WPA will not enforce at that location until the repairs are completed.
For on-street parking, it depends on whether you are at one of the old single space meter heads, or one of our new pay and display machines (commonly called paystations).
Single Space Meter Head
If a single space meter head is not working, the Courts have ruled that the space can not be used and the public must find another location to park.
Pay and Display Machines
If a pay and display machine is not working as indicated by the ‘Out of Order’ message on the screen, the public is asked to use the closest available machine or one of the alternate payment methods (pay by cell or pre-paid coupon). If there are no other machines conveniently located (i.e. on the same block), then the WPA will not enforce that location until maintenance is completed. Although the machines wirelessly communicate with our office when they have an internal maintenance need, we encourage the public to also call when they encounter a machine that is out of order so that, should they still be parked there after maintenance is complete, we can ensure that they do not receive a ticket unfairly.
Note that on any given day, there are between 5 and 30 machines that require maintenance as they are out of paper or the coin vault needs emptied. The normal turnaround time on maintenance is less than half a day.
Monthly and Residential Permits
Where do I get a monthly permit for a Parking Authority parking lot or parkade?
Call or email The Parking Store at 986-2892 or 311@winnipeg.ca. The Parking Store is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6pm.
Where do I get an annual permit for parking meters or for my residential area?
Call or email The Parking Store at 986-2892 or 311@winnipeg.ca. The Parking Store is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6pm.
Why do I need a residential permit for my area?
Residential permits are established in areas where a nearby institution or business zone generates too many vehicles, and these cars end up displacing residents from their residential streets. Residential permits give the residents preferential use of the timed parking zones in their area. They do not allow residents parking contrary to the law, in No Parking zones or at fire hydrants, etc
What about regulations and time limitations?
Residential Permits exempt residents from timed parking restrictions, and payment at meters and pay stations within their residential zone. They do not exempt residents from No Parking/Stopping, fire protection, emergency route, loading zone, or other roadway regulations.
Parking Planning and Property Issues
Is there enough parking downtown?
Demand for parking space usually rises and falls to suit the needs of the community, and is a reflection of relative land value. In Winnipeg, there are an estimated 35,000 parking stalls, which is ample to supply the current business climate. As development intensifies there may be a need for more parking.
Do we have too many parking lots?
In our view, yes. It would be beneficial for Winnipeg to find a way to intensify parking demand into more structures, releasing land for development. This is a matter affecting land development and is a larger issue than parking alone.
Who decides where the parking lots go?
Generally, individual developers based on guidance from their consultants, as well as the Planning, Property and Development Department.
Who decides what a parking space costs?
Stall price is based on the cost of land, providing the physical space, and making it available in good repair, 24/7, in all seasons.
Who keeps all the parking lots in good condition?
The owners and operators of the lots. In the City's case, this is now the responsibility of the WPA.
Who decides how many parking spaces a building should have?
Standards are developed and maintained by the Planning, Property and Development Department.
Who can help me find more parking stalls for my building?
Planning, Property and Development can assist with this. An estimate can also be provided by the WPA.
How much does a parking space cost to build?
In Winnipeg, about $2,000 + land cost per stall for a surface lot; about $26,000 + land cost per stall for an above ground parkade, and; about $50,000 + land cost per stall for a below ground parkade (this last item varies widely).
How much does a parking garage cost to build?
An average parking garage is 300-400 stalls and so a pro forma cost for a bare bones garage might come in at about $15 Million + land value and services.
Who is responsible for ensuring there is enough parking for my business or residence?
Streets are for driving; parking lots are for parking. Parking a personal vehicle or finding suitable space for customer vehicles is the responsibility of every individual or business owner. It is not a public responsibility to ensure that you have a place to park your car.
The WPA can provide advice and assistance in some cases.
Private Property Parking / Other Parking Company Issues
What are the other parking companies?
The single major parking operator in Winnipeg is Imperial Parking (IMPARK), which is a large private multinational firm. There are several small operating companies and private properties where public parking is available. All parking lots should have instructions clearly posted identifying where the public stalls are available, price, and terms of use.
What are they allowed to do?
Parking Operators are private companies that make a contract with the owners of vacant lands to provide parking facilities for regular monthly parkers and occasional visitors. They are large and legitimate businesses and operate in accordance with the wishes of their shareholders and the needs of their clients. They vary in their approach to business, and are interested in selling their product, as are other businesses, but are generally reasonable in their dealings with the public. Private parking owners and operators are permitted to manage their lot standards and enforcement in accordance with their posted rules and regulations, and are able to tow vehicles off their properties if those standards are violated.
Who owns those parking lots?
Many individual resident or non-resident land owners, and sometimes numbered or other companies. They are usually owners awaiting an opportunity for a higher and better use of their land, engaging with a Parking Operator as an opportunity. The appearance and function of their properties is governed by standard City property standards by-laws.
Who sets the fees? Why can't they be free?
In all cases, parking lots are expensive to provide and maintain, and costs have to be recovered directly from the parking customer (as in private facilities) or free to the customer but at the cost of the business tenants (shopping malls). Fees to the customer are usually set with the property owners based on what the Owner and Operator determine is the best means of recovering their cost for the space, and this can fluctuate by time, day or season. Operators usually select whatever price will yield a parking lot that is full during most of the business day. Where there is demand for Public Parking, owners and operators may choose to limit regular monthly parking in favour of providing more daily spaces. In common with public agencies and authorities in other Cities, the WPA's main mandate is to provide ample daily parking to the public.
Why are they all full of RESERVED signs?
RESERVED signs indicate that an individual stall has been assigned or leased to an individual parker, usually on a monthly or annual basis. In Winnipeg, many of the parking stalls have been assigned in this manner. To locate the best available public parking, watch for the WPA signs or give us a call and we will try to advise you as to the best public parking destination for your trip.
Can they tag and tow from the lots?
Yes, if their posted property regulations and terms of use have been violated by the customer.
Who do I call if I am getting a hard time from one of the other parking companies?
Try calling the General Manager of the parking companies - they are usually quite reasonable when it comes to dealing with their customers. If unsuccessful, send a note to the WPA at 311@winnipeg.ca stating your situation and we will attempt to resolve it for you.
Stolen, Abandoned Vehicles and Bicycles
Who looks after bicycle parking?
The WPA is working with the City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Program to provide locations for bike parking. As part of the replacement of the old single space meters, many of the meter posts were converted with the addition of bike rings. In addition, we offer limited bike rack services at our facilities and are installing secure bike storage at our parking garages. As with vehicle parking, private property owners will offer differing levels of service dependent on their determination of their customers’ needs.
Who looks after abandoned vehicles or RVs or trucks parked on my street?
The WPA investigates reports of abandoned vehicles and oversized vehicles parked illegally. Many people do not realize that it is illegal to park an RV or any vehicle with more than four tires on a street for more than 1 hour. Vehicles that appear to be abandoned are towed from the streets.
Who looks after stolen vehicles or items stolen from my vehicle?
Winnipeg Police Service
Who do I call if I can't figure out who to call?
The best place to start is the WPA at 311 (986-6281 on evenings and weekends). We will advise you as best we can. If our staff cannot advise you directly, they will take a message and our professional daytime staff will make inquiries and get back to you as soon as possible.