Eligible residents can now apply for a Market Permit for on-street parking

Calgary, AB: This past week marked the launch of the new Market Permit; the first of the Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program changes being implemented in 2023.

In January 2021, Council approved the Residential Parking Policy changes with an aim to optimize street space, improve efficiency in parking, support businesses, achieve better value for citizens, and be better positioned for long-term sustainability.

The newly launched Market Permit is for residents of eligible large, multi-residential buildings built after 1945, allowing the resident to park within 150 metres of their building. Residents of these buildings are no longer eligible for standard RPPs since they typically have access to their own off-street parking. The Market Permit was introduced as an alternative for residents who live in Residential Parking Zones (RPZ) who may require parking that cannot be accommodated off-street.

Fees for the Market Permit are based on comparable off-street parking options and vary by area of the city. A Market Permit in the City Centre is $150/month, Inner City is $100/month, and fees in the Suburbs are $75/month. A Low-Income Market Permit is also available for people eligible through the Fair Entry Program.  Encouraging residents to use their off-street parking options first will maximize on-street availability for more people and multiple uses.

Residents eligible for the Market Permit only need to apply if they do not have an existing RPP or once their current RPP expires, and only one Market Permit is allowed per residence.

Residents of ground-oriented buildings such as detached, semi-detached, and duplexes will be eligible for three standard RPPs and two Visitor Permits, allowing on-street parking in their RPZ. Residents of small multi-residential buildings and large multi-residentials built prior to 1945 will be eligible for one Select Permit, which allows a resident or visitor to park on-street in their RPZ.

Also changing is the introduction of new parking permit fees. Historically, RPPs have primarily been given at no cost to the resident, resulting in the program operating at a financial loss. Introducing new fees will allow the program to become self-funded and encourage the use of available off-street parking. The Select Permit and all new fees are expected to be implemented mid-2023.

“These fee changes provide transparency of the RPP program costs, which previously have not been reflecting the actual expense of administering the program and moves it closer to the vision of long-term sustainability,” says Courtney Walcott, City Councillor, Ward 8. "Rolling out the new fee structure will allow the parking program to pay for itself, and it is my hope that any surpluses will be re-invested in the areas they were generated in, enhancing the public realm to make these communities more attractive and vibrant.”

Parking is more than providing spaces for people to park their vehicles; it impacts how all citizens live, work, and play in our city, and is strategically managed to enhance people’s transportation experience whether they walk, wheel, drive, or take transit.

“The revised RPP program continues to make on-street parking available for residents while also considering the long-term benefits for all Calgarians,” adds Chris Blaschuk, Manager, Calgary Parking. “By limiting on-street parking for residents who have access to off-street parking, we’re optimizing parking availability without requiring additional physical space. And by making the RPP program self-sustaining, we’ll have more opportunity to increase our overall parking revenue contribution to The City, investing those dollars back into our communities.”

For more information on the RPP program, the new fee structure and to apply for a Market Permit, visit https://www.calgaryparking.com/parkingpermits.