About the CPA Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA)?

The Calgary Parking Authority manages and operates public parking facilities for The City of Calgary. In addition, CPA is responsible for the residential parking permit program and the parking enforcement program.

How was the CPA established?

City Council passed a by-law in 1968 establishing the Calgary Parking Authority to develop and operate public parking facilities on behalf of The City of Calgary. The Authority reports to City Council through the Board of Directors. In 1994, responsibility for Parking Enforcement transferred to CPA from Calgary Police Services and management of the Impound Lot was transferred to CPA. Revenue generated by CPA is returned as a dividend to The City each year.

How many parking spaces does CPA manage?

The Calgary Parking Authority manages 6,689 on-street parking spaces and 10,685 stalls in surface lots and parkades, approximately 14% of all available paid parking stalls in Calgary.

Is the CPA planning to add more parking spaces to the downtown core?

The current City Transportation Plan approved by City Council limits the amount of long-stay (all day commuter) parking in the Downtown area. The intention is to limit the amount of long-stay parking in favor of increased transit or alternative transportation use. While the overall number of parking spaces will increase with continued development of office space, fewer spaces will be designated for long-stay parking. 

How does the CPA set the parking rates for surface lots and parkades?

Market surveys are conducted approximately every quarter to determine the market value of parking stalls. The CPA rates are set according to market value. Rates rise or fall according to the supply and demand for parking stalls.

What are the Calgary Parking Authority Holiday hours of operation?

On-street pay machines remain in effect with the exceptions of: New Year's Day, Alberta Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Please note: Our administrative office is closed on the above stated statutory holidays, with the exception of the Parking Enforcement dispatch office, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Is it possible to obtain monthly parking from CPA in the downtown core?

Yes, you can sign up for monthly parking by setting up a myID account with The City of Calgary This account allows you to access many City of Calgary resources and services using one account. Click here to get started. Find out more information about monthly parking on this website by visiting www.calgaryparking.com/web/guest/monthlyparking.  

Why do I need a parking permit to park on the street in my area?

Communities may ask for residential parking restrictions to protect their communities from excessive parking in the area. The residents of the community petition through Traffic Operations to have their area restricted. City Council must approve the creation of new zones. If you are a resident in the area you must then display your parking permits to park on the affected streets. The Calgary Parking Authority issues over 27,000 residential parking permits each year.

Can I get a temporary residential parking permit until I am able to change my out-of-province registration?

A three-month temporary permit is available while you change your address and registration. You must provide a current out-of-province registration and official proof-of-residence in Calgary within the required parking zone. Handwritten receipts or letters are not accepted.

When do I renew my residential permit?

Permits must be renewed yearly. The expiry date is printed on the permit. Permits may be renewed starting the beginning of the month preceding the expiry month, e.g. expiry date of October 31, permits available September 1.

Can my visitors park in a residential parking permit zone?

Visitor permits are valid within the block of the address listed on the permit. These permits are not valid in ParkPlus zones or where other parking restrictions apply.

What should I do with the residential parking permit if I move from the area?

Remove the permit from your vehicle and return it to the Calgary Parking Authority in person or by mail. Leave any visitor permits at the residence.

What should I do with the residential parking permit if I sell my vehicle?

Remove the permit and return it to the Calgary Parking Authority. If you are purchasing another vehicle, you may obtain a permit for the new vehicle with the updated vehicle registration. Apply in person, by fax, by email or by mail.

Can I use residential parking and visitor permits in ParkPlus zones or in restricted parking zones?

No; the residential parking permits are not valid in ParkPlus zones, in No Stopping zones, or other restricted areas such as loading zones, handicap zones or school no parking areas.

Why can't I get visitor permits for my apartment?

Visitor permits will not be issued for apartment buildings because on-street spaces are limited and will not accommodate the large number of stalls required for each individual apartment. Issuing visitor permits to each apartment would create the same parking problems the permit is trying to solve.

Where do I place the permit and are there any conditions for use?

Apply the permit to the inside driver's side bottom corner of the rear window. If the rear window is tinted, place the permit in the driver's side of the front window in the bottom corner.

You cannot sell, trade, give away or allow any person to use your permit. This is in accordance with City of Calgary By-Law #26M96.

What is the Municipal Impound Lot?

The Municipal Impound Lot is a safe, secure storage facility for vehicles seized by Peace Officers. Vehicles are commonly seized if they are in violation of parking or driving regulations or if they are involved in serious accidents. The Calgary Municipal Impound Lot will hold 957 vehicles.

Where is the Municipal Impound Lot?

The address of the Impound Lot is 400 - 39 Avenue SE T2G 5P8.

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm

Saturday, Sunday and Statutory Holidays: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Closed: Christmas Day

Why do we have a Parking Enforcement program?

Parking Enforcement ensures compliance with The City and Province's parking regulations. Through voluntary compliance, Parking Enforcement's role is to improve public safety, traffic flow, and conformance to community standards. This is done through public education and public awareness. Enforcement through ticketing and/or towing is a last resort.

Why does CPA manage the Municipal Impound Lot?

CPA took over management of the Impound Lot (400-39 Ave SE T2G 5P8) in 1994 in a move to improve customer service at the facility. This change has resulted in a 15% decrease in fees charged to customers for towing and storage of vehicles as well as faster notification to vehicle owners.

Why was my vehicle towed to the Impound Lot?

Generally, a vehicle is towed to the Municipal Impound Lot if it violates parking regulations. Peace Officers can remove vehicles that are parked illegally, unattended and obstructing traffic or are without valid licence plates or permits. A vehicle parked in a restricted traffic lane during rush hour is a safety hazard and may obstruct more than 500 other vehicles each hour. Damaged, derelict or stolen vehicles may also be towed to the Impound Lot.

Will I be able to drive my vehicle away from the Impound Lot?

You will be able to drive away if you have a valid operator's licence, you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the vehicle is roadworthy, properly insured and has valid licence plates. If you do not have insurance or registration, you may not drive the vehicle from the Lot. However, you may have it towed at your expense to private property.

What are the fees to recover my vehicle from the Impound Lot?

You are responsible for the costs of towing plus a daily storage fee. If you claim your vehicle within 12 hours, no storage fee will be charged. Fee schedules are posted at the entrance of the Impound Lot. Cash, debit card, Visa or MasterCard are accepted for payment.

Why do I pay a towing and storage fee when my car was towed to the Impound Lot after it was reported stolen?

The costs of towing and storage of all vehicles taken to the Impound Lot are the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle. As a vehicle owner you may purchase insurance that covers all costs associated with the theft of your vehicle. If you choose not to purchase this coverage, you assume the risk for all costs associated with theft.

What happens to unclaimed vehicles?

Every attempt possible is made to locate the registered owner of an impounded vehicle; see our what happens after a vehicle is taken to the impound lot poster. Unclaimed vehicles are sold at Public Auction. These auctions are held monthly. Vehicles may be scrapped if they are deemed to have no value. After recovery of towing and storage fees, the revenue generated through the disposal goes to the Alberta Government. A registered owner may claim a vehicle anytime prior to the sale of the vehicle and is entitled to claim the residual revenue after sale from the Alberta Government. Allow 60 days after sale for payment processing.

What do I need to provide to claim my vehicle at the Impound Lot?

You must provide proof of ownership and identification and pay all towing and storage fees.

Are vehicles sold at auction free from liens?

Under the Motor Vehicle Act, the last registered owner as well as any lien holder for the vehicle must be notified before the vehicle can be auctioned. Lien holders may claim vehicles that are unclaimed by the vehicle owner. Lien holders that fail to respond to the registered letter advising of the pending disposal forfeit their lien.

How and where can I pay my parking ticket?

There are several methods of payment:

Online on this website. Click on the Parking Tickets tab and select Pay a Ticket from the drop-down menu. Please note that a service fee will be added to the cost of the ticket.

By mail - Pay by cheque or money order; do not send cash in the mail. Mail to: The City of Calgary, PO Box 2580 Station M, Calgary, AB T2P 2W9

In person - Pay by cash, debit card, cheque or money order at The City of Calgary Cashiers, 3rd Floor, Municipal Bldg, 800 Macleod Trail S. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. OR Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) Head Office - 620 9th Ave SW 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pay by cheque or money order at 323 - 7th Ave SE or 801-3rd St SE (Night Depository).

What happens if I don't pay my parking ticket?

Parking tickets are issued to the owner of a vehicle. If a parking ticket is not paid, the vehicle owner will receive a reminder notice followed by a 'Violation Ticket'. Options listed on the back of the violation ticket include an opportunity to present mitigating circumstances to the court. Do not ignore the court appearance date on the ticket, as this would result in a conviction in Provincial Traffic Court and additional court fees would apply.

In addition, the vehicle owner will be unable to renew the vehicle registration until all outstanding fines are paid.

What can I do if I think my parking ticket was issued incorrectly?

Request an administrative review with the Parking Enforcement Division. Complete a review form and submit it directly online, or in person at the Calgary Parking Authority office. The administrative review process is a service that is only able to address officer error, inadequate signage or data entry errors. Approximately 10 percent of tags are appealed to CPA. Note: If you are appealing for compassionate reasons, the appeal will need to be addressed through the court system.

Do I get demerit points against my operator's licence for parking tickets?

No, parking violations do not result in demerit points against your licence.

Who can issue a parking ticket?

Parking tickets can only be issued by a Peace Officer; this includes Police Officers, Special Constables and Bylaw Enforcement Officers.

Can my parking ticket be withdrawn if I received it while parking for reasons involving health, medical or other compassionate circumstances?

CPA does not have the authority to consider compassionate or mitigating circumstances for an appealed tag. These appeals must be presented to Provincial Court.

Why is the ticket for parking at a handicapped sign without a placard or handicapped licence plate so high?

The full fine of $300 reflects the seriousness of this infraction. It may be impossible for a disabled person to enter a building if there is no parking close to the entrance.

How many parking tickets are issued each year and what is the most common violation?

Approximately 275,000 tags are issued yearly for parking violations. The largest number of tags are issued for parking without payment.

Where does the money from parking fines go?

CPA is required to turn all revenues generated from parking tags to The City of Calgary's general fund. This money is used by The City in the interests of all taxpayers.

When paying my parking ticket online, why is there a $3 service fee?

The $3 fee is considered a "convenience fee" and it offers the benefit of saving time and money to customers who choose to use it. Both time and money are saved by meeting the early payment period, avoiding travel and parking costs, and avoiding bank charges for use of a cheque (if applicable).

Charges cover the costs of a secured web payment portal that is in compliance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards, costs of licensing, audit and site maintenance. Charging per transaction is also in accordance with City Council's 'user-pay' policy where the costs of this premium service are recovered from those who choose to use that particular service.

We believe that our current fee of $3.00 (including GST) is reasonable and competitive when compared to other online purchases that include 'handling' or administrative charges.

What if I don't want to pay the $3 security fee on top of my parking ticket?

We understand that not all customers want to pay an additional $3 on top of their parking ticket. We recommend you choose another method of payment that is more convenient for you. See https://www.calgaryparking.com/parkingtickets for all of your payment options.

How do I request assistance from Enforcement regarding a car that I think may be illegally parked?

Please report illegally parked vehicles to Enforcement Services at 403-537-7100, option 2. Dispatch operators monitor this line on a 24/7 basis and are able to dispatch an officer to investigate. Please note that response times will vary depending on the time and location.

Does my Monthly Transit Parking pass cover downtown on-street parking?

No, your Monthly Transit Parking pass is ONLY for the Calgary Transit parking lots. You still are required to pay for parking downtown.

How do I use the on-street pay machine to pay*?

1. Enter the four digit zone number for the area in which you are parked. The zone number is located on top of the street signs.

2. Enter your license plate information.

3. Make payment by either:

Inserting coins ($2, $1, $0.25)** until "paid to time" is adequate or,

Inserting a credit card (VISA, MasterCard or AMEX) as shown on the front of the pay machine. Remove credit card when requested and select the appropriate time required by pressing the + (add) or "Max Time" buttons.

4. Press button for optional receipt; a receipt is not required for the dash.

*Instructions are also provided on the pay machines. **Please note: the pay machines do not provide change.

What do I do if the pay machine is out of order?

Please proceed to another pay machine within the same pricing zone and make payment. For more information on pricing areas, click here.

If you are parked in a parking lot or parkade, you can use any pay machine within the lot/parkade to complete your payment.

You can also use the Virtual Pay Machine to make your payment. 

The pay machine did not return my coins. How do I request a refund?

In the event that a pay machine does not return coins, customers may request a refund by emailing parkplusadmin@calgaryparking.com or by faxing 403-537-7001.

Requests must include the date, pay machine ID, contact information and any other relevant information. The pay machine will be checked for an overage and customers will be contacted regarding the outcome.

I have entered the necessary information and made payment; why didn't I get a receipt for my car?

The ParkPlus System is totally paperless; the receipt is an optional item that you must request before the end of your transaction. You do not require a receipt for your dashboard. To request a receipt of your transaction, email parkplusadmin@calgaryparking.com with your license plate, the date, time and zone (or area) of where you parked.

Can I add time to an existing parking session?

No, each payment is registered as a separate transaction. (For example, if you have paid at a pay machine for an hour, you have to wait until the hour expires before purchasing more time.) If you purchase more time, your transaction will start from the time you purchased it at the pay machine. It will not add time to your existing session.

You can use any pay machine to purchase additional time.

Please note: as per City bylaws, the vehicle may not be parked for longer than the maximum time posted on the signs in the area.

ParkPlus Cell Phone Accounts

What is the ParkPlus phone number?

The ParkPlus phone number to call for activating and deactivating a parking session is 403-537-7275.

How do I pay using my cell phone?

To use the cell phone method of payment, you must first sign up for an account here. When parked, call 403-537-7275 and listen to the voice prompts. You can also use our Text to Park service with a ParkPlus cell phone account. Text "start" and "end" with the zone number to 77587 (PPLUS) to start and end a parking session. You can also download the free MyParking app for the iPhone to start and stop your parking session from within the app.

*A minimum $1.00 purchase applies to all cell phone account transactions for on-street parking. The minimum purchase in a surface lot or parkade will vary depending on the minimum purchase for the facility. 

I have set up a cell phone account online; however, when I call in from my cell phone, the system tells me that the cell phone number is not recognized.

Your phone number has been blocked from being displayed.

To unblock your phone number if you are a Telus or Bell Mobility customer, dial *31# OR *82 and then the ParkPlus number. (For example, enter the unblocking code prior to the ParkPlus number as follows: *31# 403-537-7275.)

To obtain information about the unblocking code for other cell phone providers, please contact your provider directly.

If I have more than one vehicle listed in my cell phone account, how does the system know which vehicle I have parked?

You do not need to designate which vehicle you are using when you activate a parking session using your cell phone account as long as you have an active parking session for one of the vehicles listed in the account.

The only requirement is that you have enough active parking sessions for the number of vehicles parked in ParkPlus zones. For example, if you have two vehicles parked in ParkPlus zones, you must activate two distinct parking sessions. (You must activate each parking session from a separate cell phone number.)

Why am I charged an extra $2 if I use my cell phone account to pay for parking in a surface lot or parkade? For example, if I park in Lot 55, I am charged $11 for the whole day (then refunded any unused when I end the parking session) but if I was to use my credit card in the machine in the lot, the maximum charge is $9.

When you use your cell phone account to pay for parking in one of our surface lots or parkades, you automatically purchase time until the end of the current time period as well as until the end of the next time period.

For example, if you arrive in the lot at 10:45 am, you automatically purchase time until 6:00 pm, the end of the current time period, as well as 6:00 pm to 6:00 am, the end of the next time period.

This service is provided to ensure that users activating a session near the end of the current time period avoid activating a parking session that's too short.

Reminder: When you drive out of a parkade or surface lot, deactivate your parking session and your unused time will be credited to your account.

If I activate a parking session using one of my cell phones, can I use another one to deactivate the session?

No. The phone number that is used to activate the parking session must be used to deactivate the parking session.

I have forgotten my ParkPlus cell phone account login name. How can I get that information?

You are able to login with your username or the email address associated with the account.

Alternatively, you can send an email to parkplusadmin@calgaryparking.com and include either the cell phone number or license plate information listed in your account and we will send you your login name.

I have forgotten the password for my ParkPlus cell phone account. How can I request a new one?

To request a new password, go here and click on the "Forgot Password?" link on the bottom of the page. The ParkPlus System will email you a new password.

What is my balance on my ParkPlus cell phone account?

Login to the account here; the balance is listed at the top left of the screen, below your username.

How do I know if I have to add more funds to my account?

The ParkPlus System will not let you activate a parking session if your account balance is below the minimum charge for the zone.

You can enable the "low balance notification" in your account settings to notify you by email when your account balance is low. You can choose your low balance notification amount at $10, $20, $50 or $100.

How do I add more funds to my account?

To add more funds to the account online, login to your account and select the "Add Account Funds" tab, then fill in the required fields with a valid credit card. You can also sign in to your Visa Checkout account to add funds online. Alternatively, you can top up your account with cash, debit, cheque or credit card by visiting our Head Office at 620-9 Ave SW.

When I use my credit card online to add a lump sum payment to my account, does the system remember my card and allow transactions to be automatically charged to it?

No, the ParkPlus System does not save your credit card information or automatically charge it for each transaction. Credit cards are used to only put a set amount ($25, $50, $100, $200, $500 or $1000) on the account.

How do I make changes to my account, such as adding a new license plate?

Login to your account and select "Account Information". From here you can update your license plate and cell phone information. To update your contact information, click "More Options" and select "Update Profile".

Can a phone number or license plate be registered on more than one cell phone account?

With the current ParkPlus System, a cell phone number and license plate can only be entered on one account at a time. If a cell phone number or license plate already exists in an account, it cannot be entered in a second account.

If you wish to pay for parking for an unregistered vehicle, you may use a pay machine. For additional suggestions, please contact our ParkPlus System staff at 403-537-7275 and press the * key or email parkplusadmin@calgaryparking.com.

How do I view my parking transactions/ParkPlus account activity?

Login to the account and click on the "Account Activity" tab on the upper right. Note you will have access for transactions of the current month and the past three months. There are two email options you can use to print or save a copy for your records. The account activity will also allow you to separate reports by phone number.

If you need access to parking transactions that are older than three months, there is a fee of $5.00 per month of activity retrieved which is deducted from the ParkPlus account. Please send an email request to parkplusadmin@calgaryparking.com with your username, the months required and confirmation that you accept the fee, and we will send you a copy of the report.

Will I get a receipt when adding funds to my account with a credit card?

The receipt for payment is automatically e-mailed to the registered e-mail address on the account.

I have another question about the ParkPlus System that isn't answered here. Who do I contact?

You can call 403-537-7275, press * and then 7 to speak to a ParkPlus System representative. Alternatively, you can email your question to parkplusadmin@calgaryparking.com.

Text to Park

How does Text to Park work?

ParkPlus cell phone account holders can pay for parking by Text. To start a parking session, text the word "start" and then the four-digit ParkPlus zone number to PPLUS (77587). To end a parking session, you will need to text the word "end" and then the four-digit ParkPlus zone number to PPLUS (77587).

I sent a text but a parking session wasn't activated. What do I do now?

Your parking session may not have been activated for several reasons:

- Parking restrictions are in effect

- There are insufficient funds in your account

- The zone number was entered incorrectly

Please ensure that you did not send your text to 403-537-7275 or 403-539-4205. These numbers are used in the regular ParkPlus phone activation process and are not valid for Text to Park.

If having further issues, you can also call in your parking session by dialing 403-537-7275 and listening to the voice prompts.

Why do I need to put the words "start" and "end" when using Text to Park?

On May 31, 2013, we introduced the requirement to put the words "start" and "end" for Text to Park service. This is because a number of our customers experienced duplicate texts being sent automatically by their cell phone carrier to the ParkPlus system. This would cause parking sessions to either start or stop without the customer’s consent.

By changing the process and specifying whether you want the text to start or stop a parking session, it removes the potential for duplicate text messages to affect a parking session.

Note: to successfully start and end a parking session, you will need to spell the words “start” and “end” correctly. However, they are not case-sensitive. For example, "START", "Start" and "start" will all work to start a parking session. 

MyParking app

Can I automatically load funds onto my account using the MyParking app?

Unfortunately, the MyParking app does not have that capability. With the app, you can add funds on a one-off basis however, as well as check your account balance.

Can I edit my account details using the app, such as my license plate or phone number?

Yes! The updated version of the app (released in July 2015) allows you to update your license plate and phone number using the app.

When logging into the app, what phone number do I use to log in?

You can use ANY phone number that is listed in your ParkPlus account when logging into your account on the app. It does not have to match the phone number of the phone or device you're using. For example, if you share an account with your spouse, you could enter their phone number with the account username and password, as long as that phone number is listed on the account.

What should I do if I have am having trouble stopping my parking session through the app?

If you are having difficulties stopping your parking session with the app, you can also call into ParkPlus (403-537-7275) and listen to the voice prompts or use Text to Park to end your parking session.

Please note that no matter which method you use to start a parking session, the same phone number must be used to stop the parking session. Therefore, if you use another phone number when logging into the MyParking app, you would need to text or call from that number to stop your parking session (if unable to do so through the app).

I'm having difficulties logging in to the app. What do I do?

Your Username can be the username you created or the email address associated with your account. You can reset your password online, but please note, it can take up to 30-60 minutes for the information to be reset on the ParkPlus server.

You can also start and end sessions using your ParkPlus account by calling or texting; click here to learn more. 

If you need further assistance, please contact parkplusadmin@calgaryparking.com or call 403-537-7275 and we'll investigate the issue further.

General ParkPlus

Do you accept Visa debit cards for parking payment?

You can use Visa debit cards for payment via the Virtual Pay Machine or to add money to your ParkPlus cell phone account. The ParkPlus pay machines do not accept Visa debit cards due to security reasons. At a pay machine, you can make payment using either coins or a credit card (VISA, MasterCard or AMEX).

General www.calgaryparking.com

Why was I redirected here?

You were redirected to this page because of the use of invalid or unknown characters on the www.calgaryparking.com website. If you are trying to complete something specific and continue to experience an issue, please contact parkplusadmin@calgaryparking.com or call 403-537-7275 and we'll investigate the issue further.