The City of Kamloops is overhauling its downtown parking system with a new contractor, updated technology and proposed increases to parking rates and fines that could take effect as early as June 1.
In a news release issued Monday, the City announced it has awarded a new pay parking management contract to Precise ParkLink Inc. following a procurement process earlier this year that included consultation with local parking users.
The agreement will see existing parking meters replaced with newer models, upgraded technology introduced in off-street parking lots and a new mobile payment platform rolled out across the city.
As part of the transition, the City will launch the Parkedin app, which will eventually replace the current PayByPhone system. PayByPhone services will be phased out through June and fully replaced by Parkedin in July.
City officials said residents are encouraged to begin downloading and using the new app during the transition period, which is expected to continue through May and June.
The City is also eliminating physical monthly parking hangtags. Beginning in June, monthly parking passes will instead be managed through an online licence plate registration system. Existing pass holders are expected to receive additional information directly from the City.
“This transition is about making parking in Kamloops more convenient, efficient and user friendly,” said Richelle Cotter, the City’s community services supervisor, in the release. “By introducing updated technology and a new mobile app, we’re improving the overall parking experience while also modernizing how we manage parking across the city.”
The parking system changes come alongside a broader review of parking management and pricing that was presented to council’s committee of the whole on March 31.
Under the proposed bylaw amendments, several parking rates and penalties would increase. The hourly rate for the final hour of on-street parking would rise from $2.50 to $3, while surface lot day or event parking would increase from $4 to $6.
Monthly parking fees would also climb, with random parkade parking rising from $85 to $95 and reserved parkade stalls increasing from $105 to $115.
Parking fines would see some of the largest increases. Tickets for expired time or unpaid parking would double from $40 to $80, while fines for serious violations — including blocking fire hydrants or crosswalks — would rise from $50 to $100.
The City is also proposing to extend paid on-street parking hours by starting enforcement at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.
Council is scheduled to consider the proposed bylaw amendments on May 26. If approved, the changes could be implemented beginning June 1.
The City said additional public engagement on parking management will continue as recommendations from its long-term parking management study are rolled out over the next five years.
