2023 Parker Special Conference Issue

Annual Conference & Trade Show

CONFERENCE ISSUE

12-13 WELCOME & SPONSORS | 13-23 SCHEDULE/PLANNER | 24-25 EXHIBITORS & FLOOR PLAN

PRESIDENT

Alex MacIsaac University of Toronto a.macisaac@utoronto.ca

VICE PRESIDENT

Ralph Bond BA Consulting Group Ltd. bond@bagroup.com

SECRETARY

Frank Cavaliere RJC Engineers fcavaliere@rjc.ca

TREASURER

Anna Marie O’Connell City of Guelph annamarie.oconnell@guelph.ca

PAST PRESIDENT

Daniel Germain dgermain1@videotron.ca

DIRECTORS

Brett Bain Edmonton Airports bbain@flyeia.com

Sam Cusick AIMS (EDC) Corp. sam@aimsparking.com

Adamo Donatucci Precise Parklink adonatucci@precisebi.com

Rozanne Haddad Interior Health Authority Rozanne.Haddad@interiorhealth.ca

Ismo Husu City of Victoria ihusu@victoria.ca

46

Reachel Knight Calgary Parking Authority Reachel.knight@calgaryparking.com

Sharon Lewinson ACT Canada info@actcanada.com

James Mackay Mackay Meters james.mackay@mackaymeters.com

Randy Topolniski Winnipeg Parking Authority randytopolniski@winnipeg.ca

Ken Skinner

Crombie REIT ken.skinner@crombie.ca

CPA STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Carole Whitehorne 613 727 0700 x 10 carole@canadianparking.ca

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Teresa Buckley 613 727 0700 x 12 teresa@canadianparking.ca

BRAND & COMMUNICATIONS

Brenda Hanna 613 727 0700 x 15 brenda@canadianparking.ca

CAROLE WHITEHORNE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Forty years in the making

Well, here we are. Forty years in the making. With the Annual Conference and Trade Show upon us, we are celebrating! And there is a lot to celebrate.

This special issue of Parker brings to you a little bit of our history, and some of the achievements the association has accomplished during its existence. Not without challenges along the way, the many volunteers who have contributed their expertise and time are an example of how important this association is to the continuity and development of our industry in Canada.

Leadership in an association is key, and when you review the names of the Directors in this issue who have served us since the initial meeting of interested parties in 1983, you will see we are focused on continuing to deliver value to those who participate.

After three years of tumultuous influences caused by the pandemic, our light is shining brighter as we approach the end of 2023.

Too many to name, countless people have sat on conference committees, led focus groups and local chapter meetings, provided top level presentations and networking opportunities that provide the best information sharing amongst our members. I cannot thank all of you enough for your support over the years.

I joined the CPA in 1989 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 1999 when I was the manager of parking (and lockers!) at Carleton University. To say I was a deer in the headlights is an understatement. My time as a member opened my eyes to the many facets of parking that so many of the public are oblivious to, and still are today.

We seek to educate ourselves and others on the complexity of parking operations continually, and having the resources provided from this association was my salvation. I quickly learned the ropes and was recognized as the expert on campus on all things parking. It was a breakthrough for me as a young manager when the hierarchy at the university came to understand that I brought value to the table. It wasn’t just about dealing with parking complaints!

In 2001, I became the Executive Director of the CPA. Again, a deer in the headlights, but as this amazing opportunity unfolded, I jumped on the learning curve and here I am, 22 years later still explaining to family, friends, and others just what we do. It has been quite the ride. And I don’t miss dealing with parking ticket complaints one bit.

In addition to the contributions of volunteers, I have had the tremendous support of a very lean staff component over the years.

John L. ‘Laurie/Larry’ Laurie Donoghue

February 23, 1919 – September 4, 2023

A true friend and supporter of the Canadian Parking Association, Larry lived to the grand age of 104. He and his wife Connie attended many CPA conferences over the years, where Larry trained many in the art of parking fraud, mentored many of his Canadian friends and never missed an AGM. After the third time he retired, we told him we would have to cut off the retirement gifts. He laughed. Larry was assigned CPA Membership #1, in recognition of his dedication to our industry and his sincere love of Canada. Thank you, Larry. May you rest in peace. CW

Brenda Hanna, our Marketing and Communications Manager, and expert designer has been with us as long, or longer than me. Between the two of us, we have over 50 years with this association. And we are both still so young! We worked together producing Parkers during the dial-up internet stage for six years before we met in person. Brenda brings the image of the CPA to the forefront, creating our branding, magazine layouts, marketing materials and now social media. She has developed her skills along the way as we faced many changes. I can’t express my gratitude for her dedication in supporting me, the extra hours she contributes and that she goes above and beyond her duties keeps us steady and looking good. I am happy to call her a dear friend.

Teresa Buckley is the Administrative Coordinator who keeps our membership in order. Joining us in early 2022, she has had to hit the ground running to manage the systems we have, learn the association’s business and to meet and greet our members when they require assistance. No easy feat, but she is accomplishing her challenges while getting to know you all. Thank you, my friend.

To say that conference preparation is challenging is an understatement, particularly at this time of year, just before we gather at the event. Both ladies deserve most of the credit for keeping me focused and supporting me through to a successful result. Please be sure to say hello when you see them in Calgary.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Wendy VanderMeulen, who worked for the CPA for 15 years. A stickler for detail and a clean desk, many of you will remember her meticulous management of the conference registration desk. She is happily working on her passion of modern square dancing now and enjoying retirement.

After three years of tumultuous influences caused by the pandemic, our light is shining brighter as we approach the end of 2023. I want to remind you that the CPA is here to respond to the needs of its members and hope that you continue to support us through membership, recruiting new members, taking advantage of the training and certification opportunities for you and your staff, and participating in the many in-person and virtual events. We are always open for editorial for the magazine and encourage you to submit an article about your organization’s activities, achievements, and projects. That keeps us all informed in this close community.

As I look back and reflect on how far we have come as an important component of the communities we serve, terms like automation, dynamic pricing, parking guidance, access control, sustainability, smart parking, mobility, and urban planning, to name a few are all strategies we have had a hand in developing to revolutionize the parking experience. I urge you all to continue with passion to push the evolution of parking to the pinnacle as an integral partner in the transportation cycle.

We’ve hit many milestones, and we will celebrate in Calgary. n

Carole Whitehorne, Executive Director

FROM THE PRESIDENT

ALEX MACISAAC, PRESIDENT

As you begin to peruse this issue of Parker Magazine, my term as President of the CPA is winding down. It’s hard to believe that I’ve held this position for the last two years. Just as I’ve hit my stride, my time as the leader of this organization is coming to an end. I took on this role during an unprecedented time as the world was introduced to Covid-19. The fallout from that virus threw the parking industry for a loop. For the first time, parking operations faced empty lots with no way of producing revenue. To say we were struggling, as an industry is an understatement. Given the situation, my first decision in this role was whether we should host the annual meeting in Vancouver. That event made us trendsetters, as we were the first association to host an in-person conference in Canada. As time passed and we’ve progressed into post Covid times, our conference attendance in Quebec rivaled pre-pandemic numbers. Currently like most organizations, the CPA is still struggling to have events both virtually and in person. This hardship has revealed that associations have to re-invent/ redefine themselves to be financially suitable in this new landscape. Gone are the days where traditional revenue streams overflowed, now they’ve run dry or no longer exist.

During my tenure, I would like to highlight the fact that the CPA was contacted, as the industry experts, to participate in the City of Toronto’s Curbside Innovation Challenge. The city reached out to us for help concerning the widespread problem of parking and curbside vehicle detection. The purpose of this program was to create an engaging learning experience, whereby members of the parking industry could learn more about the state of technology. Additionally, participants were able

to get feedback from industry members about their systems. Specifically, vendors were asked to create solutions to the problem using current technology which included both camera and in-ground sensor systems. Being a part of this process provided me with a unique perspective. In essence, I was able to view the technology used in a controlled environment that allowed me to observe, on a micro level, how that technology tackles the problems of curbside management.

My final obligation in the role as President is to oversee the upcoming Calgary annual meeting in October if this year. Here, I will officially pass the torch to the President–elect Ralph Bond. Many of you know Ralph and are familiar with the experience he has in the industry as well as his strong leadership skills. Rest assured we will be in extremely capable hands as we face the challenging times ahead.

Finally, as you may be aware, the Canadian Parking Association is celebrating its 40th anniversary. I’m thankful that we are still here today, and I would like to salute the founders of this organization. Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude to those that have and continue to support us today. There are far too many people to list, but I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. It has been both an honor and a pleasure serving as your President for the past two years. See you all in Calgary! n

Alex MacIsaac, President

It has been both an honor and a pleasure serving as your President for the past two years.

Modernizing Residential Parking

By Chris Blaschuk, Manager, Calgary Parking

LIKE MANY MUNICIPALITIES, THE DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS IN CALGARY HAS INCREASED RATE AS OUR CITY GROWS AND CHANGES. WHAT BEGAN IN THE 1970S AS A HANDFUL OF PARKING ZONES NEAR THE DOWNTOWN AREA HAS GROWN INTO AN 80-ZONE SYSTEM ACROSS MANY AREAS OF CALGARY, ALONG THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) SYSTEM, NEAR MAJOR GENERATORS SUCH AS HOSPITALS AND UNIVERSITIES, AND ALONG MAJOR CORRIDORS UNDERGOING REVITALIZATION. THIS GROWTH IN DEMAND, COUPLED WITH A LABOR-INTENSIVE SYSTEM OF ADMINISTERING PHYSICAL PERMITS FOR USERS, AS WELL AS COMPLAINT-DRIVEN ENFORCEMENT, MADE IT CLEAR THAT MORE EFFICIENT, CUSTOMER-ORIENTED SERVICES WERE NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM GOING FORWARD.

Moving towards a digital system

Calgary has had much success using license-plate recognition (LPR) technology for monitoring paid parking areas since 2007. This solid foundation allowed for a natural extension of this approach to residential permit areas. To achieve this, in 2017, our in-house software team set out to develop a permit module to augment our existing app and online tools. Over three months, several key components were developed. The new system needed to link to The City’s electronic permitting system to identify which buildings were eligible for the program. Next, an intake process was developed, which allows residents to apply for permits online, including submitting documentation to verify permit eligibility. Residents can then manage their permits online and set up Visitor Permits. A Visitor Permit module needed to be set up so that residents could provide license plate details for eligible visitors and activate parking sessions when they arrived. This was made simple by adding features to our app to allow easy activation of parking sessions.

To prepare customers for the transition, our communications team mailed out reminder notices advising customers when they are eligible to renew their permits with instructions on how to complete the renewal online. For our less-connected customers, our customer service centre continues to provide visitor activation and registration services. Moving to an online system also allowed for the elimination of 34,700 paper permits. Before adopting this system, our customer service counters would receive over 100 daily walk-ins to apply for or renew paper permits. This has significantly dropped to only a few customers a week since fully transitioning to the online system in 2018. The online approach also made it easier to cancel lost or obsolete permits, which helped reduce abuse of the program.

Increasing user compliance

To enable enforcement of parking zones, modules were developed to review license plate observations against registered permits and visitors. Enforcement vehicles could then collect observations of these areas and visit paid parking areas. One significant benefit of Calgary’s approach is that ticketing for LPR is done via post-processing. Rather than produce a ticket in realtime, a staff team reviews the observations against the permit database within a week of collecting the observation. Tickets are then mailed to vehicle owners, including photos of the offending vehicle in the parking zone. The staging of this process is beneficial from a customer service perspective. So long as visitor’s information is entered on the day of the parking session, this can be considered with respect to ticket issuance. The team can also consider last-minute submissions for parking exceptions that may be issued by The City. Once permits are issued in the system, they are immediately active, and parkers can begin to use the parking zone.

Using LPR in the field allows officers assigned to routes to focus on collecting observations, rather than needing to stop to issue tickets in the field. Officers can quickly travel through communities and increase coverage of parking zones. Before using LPR for enforcement, there was not crucial information on compliance in parking zones, as enforcement was primarily complaint-driven. Moving to LPR for enforcement has led to a significant increase in coverage in residential parking areas. Total tickets have increased from roughly 23,000 annually in 2018 to over 45,000 in 2022. This increase in funding helps offset the costs of LPR technology used to achieve compliance.

While public uptake and satisfaction with the system was generally high, the move to an automated enforcement system did unearth some curious reactions from residents. Some residents liked seeing what vehicles had physical permits in their windows to assess the level of parking compliance on their street. Others were upset that they could not tell if a vehicle had received a ticket for parking in the permit area since there was no longer a physical ticket on the windshield. Coupled with the fact that the LPR vehicle can quickly move through a neighbourhood, there are some concerns that enforcement is not occurring since no visual evidence is left. These concerns are offset by the fact that parkers have more privacy through the automated approach and the ability to increase enforcement coverage and frequency, which has been most beneficial in areas with regular offenders. The uncertainty of when the LPR vehicle may arrive also drives compliance.

Revisiting foundational policies

The residential permit system evolved over time into a patchwork of tailored solutions for different neighbourhoods. Permits were free to users in most cases. The City initially established zones, and then residents would petition to get permit restrictions installed on their blocks. In some areas, building eligibility had been inconsistent. This approach led to inefficient use of street space in congested areas and overregulation of street space in areas where parking congestion was marginal.

The residential permit system evolved over time into a patchwork of tailored solutions for different neighbourhoods.

attention to consistency, fairness, and equitable treatment of residents and other parkers. The review also considered Calgary’s long-term plans to evolve The City into a more walkable, transit-oriented environment that addresses climate change. Staff reviewed best practices from other cities and held two rounds of public engagement to hear from program users, visitors, businesses, and other parkers.

The review made several recommendations. Blocks would first undergo data collection to determine occupancy, and then a petition would be conducted to ensure the support of residents before moving forward with signage installation. Permit restrictions would be limited to home frontages to ensure side yards and streets next to parks and other amenities would be available for public use.

Rather than have a single permit type, buildings were segmented into three groups. Large buildings (over 20 units) would no longer participate in the program. Medium buildings (small apartments and complexes of 20 units or less) would receive a single “select” permit that could be used for the resident or a visitor. Finally, low-density developments such as single-family homes, duplexes, and row homes would be limited to a maximum of three permits and two Visitor Permits.

User fees were proposed for all permit types. Initially, Council directed a fee freeze for two years and then introduced a $15 per permit per year fee after that. Once the fee freeze was completed, Council initially directed a move to full cost recovery of the program. This saw the first permit cost $50 per year, escalating to $125 per year for the third permit. The Select Permit and Visitor Permits would be $75 per year.

As these changes rolled out, the team needed to be nimble to respond to resident concerns. Permit allocation to large buildings had been inconsistent in the past, with most buildings not participating. However, there were a small number of historic buildings with no on-site parking that used the permit program. Eligibility was amended to allow these residents to access a Select Permit like medium density buildings. An additional “market permit” option was developed to enable residents in newer buildings to continue to purchase a permit to park on the street. Prices were set to be marginally less than comparable off-street parking options; prices range from $150 per month near downtown to $75 per month in suburban locations. This was done intentionally so that residents would look to choose their on-site parking first but provide an option of last resort if they are not able to meet their parking needs elsewhere. A low-income option was developed, leveraging The City’s Fair Entry support program, which determines citizen eligibility for subsidies. This let residents have the market permit for only $6.25 per month.

The transition from an essentially free program to a full-cost recovery program has been a challenge with users who have been very vocal about the changes, including an online petition with almost 15 000 signatures. While over half of households only have one permit for their vehicle, the burden of purchasing all three permits and two Visitor Permits for $400 per year has often been cited as

It was time to holistically review the program, with particular attention to consistency, fairness, and equitable treatment of residents and other parkers.

a key concern. Residents living near parking generators have expressed feelings of unfairness as retaining the permit service generates a cost that other residents do not have to pay in nonpermit areas. The market permit option, which prices on-street parking like off-street parking, has generated concerns that residents in multi-family buildings are being punished compared to those in single-family homes. Currently, Council is considering different options around the speed of fee transition. Additionally, many residents have requested the removal of permit zones in areas where they feel it is no longer necessary.

Opportunities for Innovation

One opportunity automating the Residential Parking Permit process introduces is the ability to create mixed parking zones. Called interface zones (since they are in areas where residents and businesses coexist), these zones contain a mix of regular, paid street parking and permit parking. Visitors would pay as they would in a typical area with on-street payment and be subject to time limits. However, resident parking would be managed via the residential permit system, and residents can overstay time limits. This approach offers several benefits. As parking in front of residents had typically been time restricted with no charge, visitors to business districts would often park in front of residents to avoid paying for parking. Parking on main streets would be underutilized, while residents would complain about a lack of parking on side streets. By applying the same fee schedule to all streets in the area, the incentive to find free parking in front of residents was eliminated. This moved parking back onto the main streets since these spots were more desirable. This movement opened more parking for residents in front of their homes. In 2016, a pilot project on several blocks in the Mission community was deployed to test the concept. When surveyed, residents felt that the approach made it easier for them to park without significantly impacting their visitors.

The LPR approach for paid and residential parking will be updated for a two-pass approach where one set of observations can be collected for an interface zone. Observations can be evaluated first to determine permit eligibility and then second to check for payment from remaining parkers. Parkers that meet neither criterion are then issued tickets by mail.

In summary

The evolution of the Residential Parking Permit system in Calgary to an online system, combined with LPR enforcement, has increased the effectiveness of a vital parking service in congested areas of The City. A staggered approach of permit types linked to building form, in conjunction with a cost-recovery approach, will help the system be sustainable going forward.n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chris Blaschuk Manager Calgary

CPA PRESIDENTS

One opportunity automating the Residential Parking Permit process introduces is the ability to create mixed parking zones.

Canadian Parking Association Annual Conference & Trade Show

CONFERENCE SPONSORS

CPA 40TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS

CONFERENCE ADMISSION

Name Badges must be worn at all times to gain entrance to the various events. Tickets are also required for the Awards Dinner and Tuesday’s Celebrate Success event.

Trade Show Passes include access to the exhibition hall only during the time specified on the badge. Lost name badges and event tickets must be reported at Registration. A replacement fee will be charged. Event tickets are subject to limits, and may not be available for re-purchase.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 | SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

1:00 – 4:00 pm

Round Table Sector Meetings

REGISTRATION HOURS

Sunday - Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Convention Centre North 2nd Level

ONLINE CONFERENCE PLANNER

canadianparking.ca/planner2023

• Airports • Hospitals/Private Operators • Municipalities

• Universities/Colleges

Delegates participate in face-to-face discussions with peers from their sector to share information and experiences. Open to Sector members only. (Hospital meeting will be open to Private Operators)

4:30 – 5:30 pm

President’s Reception for New Members

(By invitation only)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2 | SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

8:00 am – 8:45 am

Breakfast

8:45 am – 10:00 am

Main Stage

Platform Parkade and Innovation

Centre

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

10:00 am - 10:55 am

Session A

Large-Scale Curb Management in Montréal: Technologies, Challenges and Opportunities

Nicolas Filion, Director IT

Maxime Rivard, Senior Analyst R&D Agence de mobilité durable de Montréal

Session B

Evolving Sustainable Mobility: A Convergence with Parking

Sharon Lewinson, President, ACT Canada

Session C

Better Occupancy Data Enables Better Parking Policies and Programs

Dan Mathers, CEO, eleven-x

Jamie Zettle, Program Manager, Parking, City of Guelph

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

11:00 am – 11:55 am

Session A

Roadshow: Coming Together to Ignite a Parking Revolution

David Hoyt, Managing Director & Chief Revenue Officer, ParkMobile

Kacey Siskind, Senior Vice President, HONK

Session B

EV Charging - The New Gold Rush

David Rehimi, Canadian Country Manager, ChargePoint

David Agosti, Director of Parking, SFU

Gautier Caland, Director of Innovation, Indigo Park

Nathan Donnell, Director of Parking, ChargePoint

Session C

The Path to Success: Routines of High Achievers - an Interactive Panel Discussion

Melina Morokhovich, Regional Sales Manager, T2 Systems

Jody Backes, Regional Sales Manager, T2 Systems

Cameron Neufeld, Director, Parking & Transportation

Management, University of Manitoba

Randy Topolniski, General Manager, City of Winnipeg

Nigel Bullers, CEO, EasyPark

Noon – 1:25 pm

AWARDS LUNCHEON

Tickets required for this event

1:30 – 5:30 pm

TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION

6:00 pm

Unscheduled Evening

Platform Parkade and Innovation Centre –Designing and Planning a Convertible Parking Facility

Joanne Sparkes, Senior Project Architect, Associate, Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd

Jen Lussier, COO, Platform Calgary

Reachel Knight, Leader Strategic Business Planning, Calgary Parking

Kelly Coles, Vice President, Building and Infrastructure, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

Ian Washbrook, Principal, Entuitive

Moderator: Ralph Bond, Principal, BA Consulting Group

Panelists from the development team will demonstrate how a convertible parking facility was built through the design steps of concept, schematic and detailed design. We will discuss the site constraints and display the design features that allow for future conversion to alternate uses such as residential and office and demonstrate the process of how to develop complex parking facilities.

*This Facility is included on the Wednesday Technical Tour.

Large-Scale Curb Management in Montréal: Technologies, Challenges and Opportunities

Nicolas

Filion, Director IT

Maxime Rivard, Senior Analyst R&D Agence de mobilité durable de Montréal

Both the geographical area and political landscape of Montreal are challenging and reflected in its curb. Montreal is composed of 19 boroughs, all with high autonomy for parking and curb regulation. This large patchwork covers more than 4000 km of street of all kinds, from dense downtown core to suburban style neighborhoods. With more than 18 000 metered spaces and an estimated 500 000 total spaces, this large scale and varied environment is a challenge to manage.

We’ll explore in this follow-up presentation from 2022 the findings of past projects and potential solutions currently worked on in Montreal, with major work completed or in progress to share with attendees.

Better Occupancy Data Enables Better Parking Policies and Programs

Dan

Mathers, CEO, eleven-x

Jamie Zettle, Program Manager, Parking, City of Guelph

Accurate parking occupancy data is critical for the development of an effective parking policy. Until recently, municipalities were making decisions based on insights that reflected a limited picture of how parking resources were being used which resulted in inefficient parking access as well as limited enforcement and revenue. Reliable, detailed, and accurate data takes the guesswork out of knowing how parking assets are being used and helps organizations deliver better policy programs and increase revenues while reducing operational costs. Educated decisions about city planning and infrastructure ultimately enhances the driving experience for citizens/visitors and optimizes the city’s operations.

This session will discuss the best ways municipalities can collect accurate data, what data is essential to help develop effective parking policy and how the insights gained from the data can be leveraged for various parking initiatives. We will also examine real world examples from three Canadian municipalities to highlight how they each leveraged data to implement different parking policies.

Evolving Sustainable Mobility: A Convergence with Parking

Sharon Lewinson, President, ACT Canada

In an era marked by environmental consciousness and urban dynamism, the spotlight is on Sustainable Mobility – a transformative approach that is redefining how we navigate our cities. Join us for an enlightening presentation that explores the convergence of Sustainable Mobility and parking, shaping the urban landscape of tomorrow. Delve into the world of Sustainable Mobility and uncover how it seamlessly weaves together diverse transportation options, from eco-friendly commuting alternatives to shared mobility services. Discover how this holistic approach not only reduces our carbon footprint but also fosters a more connected, accessible, and vibrant urban ecosystem.

Discover how these twin pillars are reshaping our cities, propelling us towards a future where environmental stewardship and urban efficiency coexist harmoniously. This presentation isn’t just about technology – it’s about envisioning cities that thrive sustainably for generations to come. Case studies will showcase how sustainable mobility and parking are now intertwined.

MONDAY,

Roadshow: Coming Together to Ignite a Parking Revolution

David Hoyt, Managing Director & Chief Revenue Officer, ParkMobile

Kacey Siskind, Senior Vice President, HONK

Join ParkMobile and HONK for a game-changing interactive panel filled with curiosity, as we challenge the status quo, embrace innovation, and accelerate your organizations’ growth. Discover cutting-edge trends, transformative technologies, and visionary strategies that will reshape how we navigate a Smarter Way to Park.

This fireside chat includes a surprise guest who’ll be on the hot heat – answering questions from ParkMobile and HONK. Gain insights into the pressing issues our industry faces, emerging trends and technologies, and their perspective on seizing new opportunities to lead the way toward a dynamic, customer-centric future.

EV Charging – The New Gold Rush

David Rehimi, Canadian Country Manager, ChargePoint

David Agosti, Director of Parking, SFU

Marc Del Rizzo, EV Program Manager, Indigo Park Canada

Nathan Donnell, Director of Parking, ChargePoint

Join subject matter experts on EV Charging to share their practical expertise in developing EV strategies, integrating them into business goals, and smoothly deploying and installing EV Charging infrastructure. Many people don’t understand the full Total Cost of Ownership picture when it comes to EV charging, as most of the revenue implications come post-install and most parking operators are early in their EV journey and don’t have much data or experience with managing EV Charging. We will discuss potential revenue streams related to EV charging (many of which you probably haven’t thought of) and best practices to consider including right-sizing, pricing policies, and future proofing. Attendees will leave this session with a better understanding of how the implementation of EV Charging infrastructure has become not just more affordable but can actually be a revenue stream generating profit for your organization.

The Path to Success: Routines of High Achievers

Melina Morokhovich, Regional Sales Manager, T2 Systems

Jody Backes, Regional Sales Manager, T2 Systems

Cameron Neufeld, Director, Parking & Transportation Management, University of Manitoba

Randy Topolniski, General Manager, City of Winnipeg

Nigel Bullers, CEO, EasyPark

This session explores routines of successful people in the parking industry, sharing how their habits have helped them become leaders in their industries. Discussions will center around integrating positive thinking, effective to do lists, nutrition, and well-being for productivity and how to create a clear work-life balance. The presenters will share their tips on effective communication, team engagement and skills they have developed over the years to be successful. Learn tips and tricks from high achievers that can be applied not only at work, but in all areas of life.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 | SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

7:45 am – 8:30 am

Breakfast

8:00 am – 8:30 am

Annual General Meeting

8:30 am – 9:45 am

Main Stage ALPR Panel Discussion

9:45 am – 2:00 pm

FINAL TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION

Buffet Lunch – Noon – 1:00 pm

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

2:00 pm – 2:55 pm

Session A

Calgary’s shift to a modernized Residential Parking Program system (RPP)

Chris Blaschuk, Manager, Calgary Parking

Andrea Sichewski, Supervisor, Communications (Mobility – City of Calgary)

Todd Sullivan, Leader, Patrol and Investigations (Calgary Parking)

Session B

Smart Curbside Parking Challenging Complex

Urban Environments

Adrien Orceau, Product Owner, Dimonoff Mobility

Jérôme Boulicaut, Technology Solutions Analyst, Agence de mobilité durable de Montréal

Session C

Reimagining Resilient and Lower Carbon Parking Structures

Val Sylaj, Ph.D., President and the Director of Technical Services, Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI)

Ray Li, M.Sc., P.Eng., Technical Representative – Western Canada, Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI)

ALPR Panel Discussion

One of the hottest topics will be presented by various experts in the field. Join this Panel to learn how ALPR has advanced, is being used in new areas, and ask questions about implementation, merging systems and benefits.

Mike Bourre, VP, of Sales and Marketing, gtechna: Combining Artificial Intelligence, LPR, and Curb Digitalization to Create a Comprehensive Enforcement System for Curbside Enforcement

Mollalign Assefa, Leader, Tag Admin and Support. City of Calgary – Clearing Rush Hour congestion, the newest challenge for LPR in Calgary

Carla Marcano, Leader Sales & Technology, City of Calgary, Calgary Parking: Calgary Parking: Mobile vs Fixed LPR

Enforcement: Telus Spark Case Study

Michael Bradner, Product Manager, Genetec: How solar-powered ALPR can address time and cost constraints when deploying a parking solution.

Moderator: Bill Franklin, P.Eng. President, Tannery Creek Systems Inc

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 | SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

3:15 pm – 4:10 pm

Session A

The future of parking is faster, greener, connected, and ticketless! But what is beyond?

Free Flow Ticketless Parking. Case Studies from 3 Continents.

Alexandra Maillot, Head of Business Development, Survision

Session B

The roadmap towards an all-electric vehicle fleet by 2030

Julie Bachand-Marleau, Senior advisor - Strategic Planning and Sustainable Development

Rolando Sarmiento, Chef de service - Stratégies d'affaires, Agence de mobilité durable

Session C

Hospital Parking Innovation in a Pandemic Era

Gurjeet Dosanjh, Manager, Capital Planning, Lakeridge Health

Matthew Kurtcu, Planning Analyst, Lakeridge Health

4:15 pm – 5:15 pm

Main Stage

Converting Underutilized

Parking Facilities – High Park

Panel Discussion

5:15 pm – 5:30 pm

Closing Remarks

6:30 PM – 11:00 pm

CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND 40 YEARS!

Join us on a trip back to the CPA’s roots for a final evening celebrating 40 years of service to the Canadian parking industry. Tickets required for this event

Converting Underutilized Parking facilities –High Park Panel Discussion

Liz Wreford, Founding Director & Principal, Public City Architecture

Peter Oliver, Director of Public Art, Beltline YYC

Chris Davis, Principal, RJC Engineers

Sidney Starkman, Planning and Development Analyst, Calgary Parking

Moderator: Reachel Knight, Leader, Strategic Business Planning Calgary Parking, The City of Calgary – Mobility

Join this engaging discussion on the conception, operational logistics, design and partnership behind the High Park project and its evolution, including various benefits of integrating new uses to underutilized parking facilities and how CP and BNA have gotten High Park to where it is today, from concept to design, to implementation. Panelists will discuss how the project was pitched to engage residents, how parking services were maintained and the benefits to the community. Expect a deep dive into project barriers, budget, partnerships, and the project’s future, as well as fundamentals such as risk management, security, vandalism, and structural integrity.

*This Facility is included on the Wednesday Technical Tour.

Calgary’s shift to a modernized Residential Parking Program system (RPP)

Chris Blaschuk, Manager, Calgary Parking

Andrea Sichewski, Supervisor, Communications (Mobility – City of Calgary)

Todd Sullivan, Leader, Patrol and Investigations (Calgary Parking)

In this session you will learn about the history of RPP, what the program was like in the past, where it is now and where it is going, including how Calgary has moved from hang tags to a digital LPR system. Information will be provided on the policy, rate structure and goals of an updated policy.

Information presented will assist other cities and towns in their transition from hang tags to digital RPP Permits.

SESSIONS

Reimagining Resilient and Lower Carbon Parking Structures

Val Sylaj, Ph.D., President and the Director of Technical Services, Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI)

Ray Li, M.Sc., P.Eng., Technical Representative –Western Canada, Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI)

This presentation will focus on designing and constructing resilient, lower carbon parking structures. The session will discuss manufacturing and specifying low carbon precast concrete products, the importance of performance-based specifications, using Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), understanding Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and CPCI’s 2050 Roadmap to Net Zero. The presentation will explore the importance of resilient built structures and Canada’s new National Adaptation Strategy, which focuses on Building Resilient Communities for a Safe and Strong Economy in this time of severe climate change.

Smart Curbside Parking Challenging Complex Urban Environments

Adrien Orceau, Product Owner, Dimonoff Mobility

Jérôme Boulicaut, Technology Solutions Analyst, Agence de mobilité durable de Montréal

Smart parking has become an essential component of modern urban and curbside planning, especially in cities such as Montreal that face numerous transportation and regulation challenges.

With a growing population, limited parking spaces and changing regulations, whether finding or managing a parking place in the city is becoming increasingly challenging. Smart parking systems have the potential to alleviate these problems by using technology to optimize parking management and infringement detections, reduce traffic congestion and emissions, and enhance the overall user experience.

Overall, this presentation will explore the challenges of implementing a curbside smart parking solution in a challenging urban environment like Montreal and present what has been done in partnership with the Agence de Mobilité Durable de Montreal to address these challenges. By leveraging technology, data analytics, and stakeholder engagement, a smart parking system can enhance the overall parking experience, optimize Montreal parking performances and contribute to a more sustainable and liveable city.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 | BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Free Flow Ticketless Parking. Case Studies from 3 Continents.

Alexandra Maillot, Head of Business Development, Survision

Beyond the elimination of the ticket machine, the same technology that allows Ticketless Parking also allows the gateless feature, with no barrier at all. This method is becoming increasingly popular as it represents even more advantages and revenue. We will take a trip to three different continents to see case studies of Ticketless Parking by LPR. We will discover how LEGOLAND New York makes sure that their customers have an unforgettable day of fun; how Paris Airport helps the travelers to keep the peace of mind before catching their flights; and how Australians benefit the latest technologies in their day-to-day parking life.

Hospital Parking Innovation in a Pandemic Era

Gurjeet Dosanjh, Manager, Capital Planning, Lakeridge Health

Matthew Kurtcu, Planning Analyst, Lakeridge Health

Lakeridge Health is a network of five hospital sites and a Long-Term Care Home across Durham Region located 30 minutes east of Toronto, Ontario. In the summer of 2022 Lakeridge Health replaced all of its PARCS equipment across all of its parking facilities. The implementation of new PARCS equipment included a number of benefits.

Hospitals and other not-for-profit organizations can learn the benefits of upgrading and installing new PARCS and LPR technology e.g., hands free touchless technology in a pandemic era, improved social distancing with remote parking passes purchases. Coupled with these intrinsic benefits are the increased revenue opportunities in automating purchases from pay stations and QR code passes and less equipment downtime and human resource interactions.

The roadmap towards an all-electric vehicle fleet by 2030

Julie Bachand-Marleau, Senior advisor –Strategic Planning and Sustainable Development

Rolando Sarmiento, Chef de service – Stratégies d’affaires

Agence de mobilité durable

The Agence de mobilité durable (Sustainable Mobility Agency) is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and its ecological footprint, in particular through the electrification of its vehicle fleet. A strategy has therefore been established to optimize the composition of the vehicle fleet and to define a pace of electrification consistent with the strategic planning of the organization, the ongoing modernization of parking enforcement and the current situation of the electric vehicle market. The approach undertaken by the Agency has made it possible to highlight the main challenges associated with the electrification of the vehicle fleet of a medium-sized public organization, and to adopt clear guidelines for a successful transition to a fully electric vehicle fleet by 2030.

The future of parking is faster, greener, connected, and ticketless! But what is beyond?

10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Platform Parkade & Innovation Centre and High Park installation

Seeing is Believing! After learning about Calgary’s signature innovative achievements during the event, wrap up the conference with a walking site tour of these state-of-the-art facilities.

Registration is required.

Pre-Registered attendees: Pick up your wrist band at the registration desk. Wait list for others is available at registration desk. Meet in the Hyatt Lobby, Stephen Ave. entrance at 9:30 am for walking tour departure.

EXHIBITORS

VISIT THE EXHIBITING COMPANIES View the latest in parking and mobility innovation!

FLOOR PLAN

It’s been four decades since the inception of the Canadian Parking Association. It all started in Washington, DC of all places, where a group of Canadian parking experts met during the 1983 International and Municipal Parking Congress (IMPC) and started a conversation about the need for a Canadian association that would focus on providing Canadian parking operators networking opportunities and relevant information they needed that was Canadian based. It turned out that many shared this vision, and the Canadian Parking Association began.

THE FIRST SEVEN YEARS

By Ed Keate

If ever there was a quality conference relating to Canada's growing parking industry it was the one held September 23 to 26, 1990 in Halifax, Nova Scotia under the direction of regional director Rex MacLaine. While official registration was not as high as it was at some previous conferences, this was anticipated by the executive of the Canadian Parking Association and had much to do with geography and the logistics and cost of getting to Halifax from the rest of Canada and the United States.

For Frank Brown, our founding president, Halifax in 1990 was a world away from the initial conference hosted in Thunder Bay in 1984. Some fifty-four curious parking and parking supply bodies travelled to Thunder Bay that blustery fall day to determine if there was sufficient interest to create a parking association of our very own. Most participants ... both then and now ... were regular attendees at annual conferences convened by the National Parking Association and the Institutional and Municipal Parking Congress and found both lacking in Canadian content. While they enjoyed the annual jaunts to sunnier climates, it is a credit to Canada's parking personnel that they also sought substance. Yes, the American conferences were professionally managed, were entertaining and laced with social ambience, but in matters relating to finance, legislation and policy, Canadian operators found the American sessions lacking. This, then, was the rationale for creating our very own Canadian association.

It was agreed at our 1984 founding meeting that the first annual convention would be held in Toronto, in the fall of 1985 under the direction of Vice-President Maurice Anderson of The Parking Authority of Toronto.

In structuring the Canadian Parking Association we consciously planned to have on our Board of Directors representatives from both the private and public sectors, strong representation from municipalities and institutions and as broad a representation from suppliers as possible. We also wanted to move our annual meetings around the country, east to west, so that we could develop a closer and better dialogue with our counterparts across the country.

Ed Keate

Maurice Anderson

Frank Brown

Gerry Girard

Harold Duerhammer

Al Swanson

At the end of 1990 it is interesting to observe that many of our original members are still with us today and that we're well on target with the balancing of conventions and membership. We regret that some, because of job changes and retirement no longer retain their memberships or attend the annual conventions but the senior members who retain an interest are always welcome to participate in on-going matters of mutual interest.

Frank Brown, as an example, has been functioning as the chairman of our nominating committee. Our policy is to find an appropriate spot for any who wish to remain involved.

The first annual convention in Toronto in 1985 was an eye-opener for those who wondered if we could ever generate any interest in a national organization. In one year we almost tripled our membership. Maurice Anderson twisted so many suppliers' arms that at one point we had a waiting list of ten suppliers hoping to find a stall in which to display their wares. Ontario's Lieutenant Governor Lincoin Alexander was present to officially open the convention, preceded by a fife and drum marching band, and from Chrysler came its Canadian president M.J. (Moe) Closs.

One of the highlights of the Toronto convention was an address from Deputy Fire Chief Bill Sproule who confessed that before we asked him to speak on the potential danger of propane-fuelled vehicles in underground parking facilities he'd never given the matter much thought. When he related the subject to the high-rise apartment in which he dwelled .... that was a different matter!

Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia. It's important in handling a national convention to get the best rates possible for display areas, convention sessions, participating registrants, guests and those last minute essentials, plus any pre-convention planning sessions.

The Canadian Parking Association is fortunate that since day one we’ve been able to rely on Maurice Anderson as our designated hitter, and to directors Harold Duerhammer and Grant Furlane as the ones who deliver to every convention we've held. While highly competitive in their personal business lives, they've worked closely for the C.P.A. to attract equipment displays that have become an essential ingredient of our annual conferences.

A face that's remembered from our founding and Toronto conventions is that expert and when he died of cancer his name was perpetuated by R.J.C. contribution to the Canadian Parking Association. Winners to date have been Frank Brown, Maurice Anderson, Ed. Keate and Paul Clough, the latter for the initiative he's shown in valet services within the Impark parkades. We have been remiss as an association in not making a bigger event out of the Ted Seeberg award and must provide a higher profile for this award in coming years.

NEW INNOVATIONS

As an association we're still not comfortable with the explosive potential of some alternative fuels within confined or below grade parking facilities and we're seeking expert opinion and direction on how best to prepare our operations for the increased use of vehicles fuelled with something other than gasoline. We openly recognize the threat to the atmosphere posed by automobile exhaust emissions and are anxious to work closely with professionals to seek affordable solutions to the problem.

ISSUE OF THE DAY

To this point in our proceedings one of our more active members ... both on and off the dance floor .... was the irrepressible Vic Robertson. It was Vic who conceived the idea of a regular newsletter and most assuredly brought in our first advertising dollar; that Southam Paragon was one of our first advertisers and that Vic and Ellie Thompson are unquestionably the C.P.A.'s folkdancing stars is incidental to the history. Other advertisers who've been with us since day one include Syscorp, Amano, Read Jones Christoffersen, Federal APD and Impark. We think it appropriate that pioneer advertisers be recognized in this text because they stuck with us through the difficult formative years and helped create today's situation where we actually have a waiting list for those wishing to place ads in our periodical, The Parker.

Our venue for the November 3 to 6, 1985 convention was the Westin Hotel and since then, with the exception of the Maritimes, we've found them to be the hotel of choice. While we are not beholden to any particular hotel chain we've learned that Westin is geared to handle conventions like ours and, to date, has been competitive in pricing. We've had excellent service from Hilton in those cities where The Westin is not available to us such as Saint John, New

In encouraging our growing membership to attend the November 2 to 5 convention in Calgary in 1986 we advised members that, everything else aside, Calgary was known as a good party and convention town. We were not disappointed with the collective efforts of Bob Taylor, Jim Wellwood and Al Swanson and one historic event that emerged from the Calgary session was a display of a time lapse security system that showed a garage being monitored in Vancouver as we were seated in the Calgary Westin. The significance of that technological advance may not have been appreciated by all but it will be appreciated in the coming decade when new digital communication systems will permit the marriage of many different forms of security systems and audit computers into one package.

1986, the year of Vancouver's Expo event, was a significant year for Impark, Canada's largest parking company, when current president Paul Clough (with the help of foreign investment) was able to buy out the founding president, Arne 01sen, and emerged as the head of a newly structured Impark that has subsequently advanced across the five western provinces and into the United States, maintaining its head office in Vancouver.

HEADING EAST

Director Richard Smith, administrator for the Saint John, New Brunswick Parking Commission quickly convinced us in Calgary that the next west to east move shouid be to his bailiwick and all the charm and history that goes with the territory. As expected, we did not achieve an increase in membership in Saint John but 1987 gave us our flirt with the Maritimes and convinced us that in due course we should make it to Halifax.

While we like to think of Canada as one country, our convention experience convinced us that we're an amalgamation of regions. Economic circumstances in the Maritimes don't necessarily equate to those in central Canada, the prairies or the west coast. When we talk of utilizing mass transit on greater scale we. must recognize

that in many parts of this vast land there's simply no affordable alternative to the private conveyance. Our Saint John welcome included a diploma making each registrant an Honorary Loyalist and a wind-up lobster feed confirmed that we were all honorary gourmands, it being confirmed that a gourmand is one who eats more than a gourmet. Saint John and the organizing committee committed itself so well that the directors, in full knowledge that the scope of business was smaller, were anxious for a return, as soon as possible, to the Maritimes.

With central Canada and New Brunswick behind us it was only logical that west coast Vancouver would be the venue for our 1988 convention. The display feature organized by Grant Furlane was larger and better than one organized for an international convention that preceded ours and, to be on the safe side, all registrants were given umbrellas. At each convention we like to balance new technology and techniques against the tried and true and we also like to involve local experts, politicians and speakers. In Vancouver our keynote speaker was The Honourable Grace McCarthy (who 1aughed along with the rest of us at the clever mimicry of comedian Bob Robertson) and during a harbour cruise from the Westin Bayshore to False Creek and back registrants expressed their enthusiasm for the program put together by the Vancouver group. As promised, it did not rain the night of the cruise..... which someone would later acknowledge as the ultimate in planning.

From the 1988 convention in Vancouver emerged technical bulletin number five. This dealt with the negotiation and content of a collective agreement and was authored by labour consultant David Walker. Previously we had issued technical bulletins on insurance coverage for parkades (#4 written by John E. Flood of Melling Insurance Brokers in Toronto) and bulletin #3 on revenue control systems and authored by our good friend Larry Donoghue. Larry, chairman of Ralph Burke Associates, is a knowledgeable and entertaining speaker who is always prepared to appear at our conventions to speak on the technological changes within our industry. Technical bulletin #2 dealt with parking facility maintenance and was authored by Ron Mazza, M. Eng., P. Eng. a principal of Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd, Consulting Engineers and bulletin #1 dealing with planning and design guidelines was prepared by Barton-Aschman Associates Limited, perhaps better known as the B-A Consulting Group Limited. There's a wealth of information within our technical papers and many members feel these bulletins alone are worth the price of the membership.

Suffice to say that we have not stopped at five and will be adding (and updating) where and when needed.

interesting crucible for tourism and transportation and a showcase for tax dollars. Had anyone every told us that in late October we could lunch at an outdoor cafe we would have scoffed. We were wrong, however, and the fall colours of the Gatineau Hills added an extra dimension to what turned out to be the biggest and best annual conference to that date, thanks to the supreme effort of Ottawa's parking administrator, Shirley Northrup.

In The Parker issue published following the Ottawa event our fifth annual conference was described as being "a total package that was topical, informative and entertaining," the latter being attributed to an optional social event billed as Murder in the Grange.

Speakers at the formal sessions included Larry Donoghue and Dr. Barbara the Hon. Shirley Martin, P.C. M.P. While some 180 participants were registered.... out of a total membership of 230.... and there were some 50 display booths, the organizing committee was dismayed by the small turnout for what was an excellent spousal program. With disappointing response to both the Vancouver and Ottawa spousal programs there was much apprehension on behalf of the Board of Directors as to whether or not we should try again in Halifax. Spousal programs are difficult to organize and expensive to produce. Invariably they call for additional transportation, special lunches and gifts. If you plan for 40 and only 12 turn out, you've gone to a lot of trouble to produce a loss. Not only that, you've also tested your credibility and, in some cases, turned friends into doubters. At a director's meeting following the Ottawa convention we decided that Halifax would be the ultimate test case: if the spousal program didn't work in Halifax it probably wouldn't work anywhere.

BUILDING A PROGRAM ASSOCIATION GROWTH

One of the speakers at the Ottawa convention was Peter Lysak, Past Chairman of the Canadian Construction Association, who had some timely things to say about the Canadian bridge/highway infrastructure and how maintenance has been on a steady decline since 1963. With per-litre costs of gasoline increasing dramatically since October 29, 1989, it's worth remembering his comment that federal sales taxes on fuel then equated to $4.5 billion annually (of which only 2.3% or $105 million went back into road and highway repair) and that a one cent per-litre increase at the pump relates to approximately $500 million to the federal government!

VOLUNTEERS

We would be remiss if we didn't also acknowledge the supreme effort of Impark's Michelle MacKay and Roy McCormick. Michelle helped with the vital registration functions for the years 1987 to 1990 inclusive and in many other ways. McCormick, currently head of Impark's American operations, is the one who has been in charge of our award program for the best designed, most functional and innovative parkades across our land.

This particular session is becoming more professional each year and extends to our members a benchmark to achieve or surpass. Is there life after Vancouver? Yes, the fifth annual convention in Ottawa, October 29 to November 1, 1989 proved that our Capital city is an

Between conventions, membership drives, regional seminars and political upheaval the Canadian Parking Association concentrated on ideas and techniques to improve the efficiency of their respective and diverse operations and worked toward programs to enhance the parking industry and its personnel. It would be nice to establish an educational program for both entry level and middle management personnel and a great deal of time has been spent in investigating appropriate courses and the best method of implementing the certificate and non-certificate courses. Our preliminary analysis shows that there may be about 130 employees who we hold the classes. To be professional we'd have to have something better than correspondence and night school courses, so that's part of the on-going dialogue.

Appointing Gerry Girard as our director in Quebec we've had an increase in membership from Quebec and we're indebted to him for the effort he's made to make your organization a truly national effort.

Gerry, like Impark's Paul Clough, has a large and growing family and because he travels constantly from Monday to Friday it isn't always possible, as Clough discovered, to attend weekend directors' meetings.The other directors, however, find it more economical and convenient to take advantage of weekend hotel and plane rates, so we've temporarily lost Clough as a director representing the private sector on the west coast but have managed to hang on to Gerry as our director in Quebec.

back upon the parking industry a hundred years from now could only conclude that our organization was formed at the right time and for the right reasons. As a volunteer organization we've truly been able to forge a national link to benefit both our communities and our respective businesses.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

In 1988 we determined we would have to have events between conventions that would encourage growth in membership and from this came a series of seminars on the Ontario Provincial Offences Act, and another in the Maritimes on parking rates and how and when to introduce them. In 1990 with the co-operation of Peat Marwick Thorne's Ralph Fiala we held regional seminars in Saint John, Vancouver and Montreal to keep our members abreast of the developing G.S.T. story. Our last event in Halifax, as a matter of fact, was a wind-up session with Fiala giving us the final word. For historic purposes we should acknowledge that the Goods and Services Tax is a VERY contentious issue, slated to be implemented January 1, 1991. Only time will tell.

While cruising around Halifax harbour at sunset with a Dixieland band pounding out familiar tunes we reflected on the C.P.A.'s progress since that founding November day in Thunder Bay. There were many new faces that were not present when Frank convened the very first meeting, but Maurice Anderson was there (he took over the presidency from Brown and then, when he suffered a health problem, the presidency was taken over by Keate) and the new president, Shirley Northrup, original member Gerry Stanton, directors Gerry Girard, Peter Baker, Phil Gore, Terry Ringler, Bob Taylor, Bohdan Maslo, the Syscorp gang headed by Grant Furlane, Harold Duerhammer, Ralph Matheson (IMPARK's new representative on our board) ..... suffice to say there was an entire boatload of old and new C.P.A. fans aboard in Halifax who will lodge our organization squarely into the 21st century.

There can be no question that it was Frank Brown who gave birth to the C.P.A. concept and Maurice Anderson who nurtured it to its present size but it was at the Ottawa convention where steps were taken to legitimize the baby (to that point we were not an incorporated legal entity) and in Halifax where facilitator Fred Sherwood started the on-going process of obtaining for us a consensus on policy and strategy.

Should anyone think that directors sleep between, annual conferences, be advised that as of November 15, 1990, directors have scheduled no less than six separate meetings in Calgary, Toronto and Winnipeg prior to the 1991 convention in Hamilton October 26 to 30, 1991. It may interest you to know that director, Bohdan Maslo has already nailed down the 1992conference September 27 to 30 in Edmonton. After 1992 we're vulnerable to any offer that will give us a good convention site and accommodation at the lowest possible cost.

Looking back from Halifax we can take some satisfaction that we've accomplished what we started out to do. Our numbers are far better than the I.M.P.C. or N.P.A. had in their first decade. We can take pride in the fact that we have Shirley Northrup as our new president and we can be proud of the technical papers and periodicals that we've produced for our industry. An historian or anthropologist looking

Our current status is that on a regional basis we're busily trying to put out brush fires. In Toronto there's the commercial concentration tax that adds horrendous tax imposts on top of already onerous property taxes and in Montreal additional taxes on parking stalls are being sought to help cover an increasing transit deficiency, while in Vancouver some ardent environmentalists hope to establish a new bureaucracy and transportation czar to monitor individual trips and implement zoned licensing systems. These regional demands are popping up everywhere and at a time when fuel prices are soaring weekly and the Goods and Services Tax will soon make all transportation more costly.

We as an association must devise logical strategies to counteract plans that could easily destroy the parking industry and all the employment and opportunity that go with it if we are to protect the use and affordability of our urban centres.

Our immediate challenge is to develop national policies and to work toward the day when we can have a permanent office and administrator to address the administrative functions.

Our first seven years produced tremendous technological advances in revenue control and surveillance systems. At least three Canadian companies developed credit card spitters and access/egress control by plastic is now common throughout our industry.

The ability to see and compare various types of equipment and the opportunity to discuss the applications with those who daily deal with servicing and maintenance issues is a plus for the C.P.A. member.

Some Canadian parking operations are as advanced as any in the world and provide employment and opportunity for thousands of fellow Canadians. We've learned that there's lots of value within our modest membership fee.

This brief history is presented with the fondest hope that it will be updated in not less than ten years. If you, as a member, would kindly jot down any oversights or reminiscences you may have, that would help us put some flesh on the bones and assist us in producing a real history for the year 2000.

In retrospect it's interesting to observe that the steering committee established to prepare our by-laws and constitution in was:

Toby Caldwell of the Calgary Parking Authority,

• Vic Robertson,

• Ted Seeberg, Read Jones Christoffersen,

• Frank Brown, City of Thunder Bay, and a fellow named F. Millar Ewing from St. John's Newfoundland, who hasn't been heard from since.

Another strong influence on our gestation was Reginald Lewis, the recently retired president of the Parking Authority of Toronto.

CPA'S MANDATE

CPA HISTORY

As the national voice in Canada for the parking industry, the CPA has built a reputation for providing its members with opportunities specific to the Canadian parking scene. In recent years, the need to be aligned with the transportation and mobility industries has been recognized as the way to the future.

Programs such as the Parking Excellence Recognized in Canada (PERC) introduced the need to raise standards in parking facilities across Canada, training programs were customized with Canadian content, membership structure was organized to fit any size of organization, growing the membership to more than six hundred active members today.

Governance has seen the revision of the CPA By-laws, with the ability to adjust by-laws through Industry Canada to suit the changing needs of the Association.

In the early years, Frank Brown from the City of Thunder Bay took the lead, and in July of 1983, a steering committee was formed. Those stepping up to form the new CPA were

• N.J. ‘Toby’ Caldwell, General Manager, City of Calgary Parking,

• Vic Robertson, Regional Sales Manager, Southam Specialty Printing,

• T.R Ted Seeberg, Consultant, Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd,

• Frank Brown, Manager, City of Thunder Bay,

• and a fellow named F. Millar Ewing from St. John's Newfoundland, who hasn't been heard from since!

Frank’s call to action went like this:

I would like to thank you for your co-operation at the I.M.P.C. held in Washington. I am certain that our initial meeting will lead to the formation of a Canadian Parking Association which will be of benefit to all of us.

I have drafted a letter and questionnaire to go out to municipalities, institutions and companies. Would you please review it and add your comments. When we have a final draft, it will then be sent out.

We are starting to work on a mailing list, and I would appreciate it if you would send me any information you might have to help us complete the mailing list. I would expect that our mail out will probably be going to some 300 persons initially.

We have confirmation from the Vahalla {sic} Inn here in Thunder Bay that September 23, 24 and 25th are tentatively booked for our Inaugural meeting in 1984. Would you please comment on these dates.

Once we have things in place this fall, perhaps we can get together via a conference phone call and make some “corporate” decisions to be embodied in our by-laws. This would certainly be much more economical than travelling.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours truly, F. D. Brown

The call was answered, and the work began to start organizing the Canadian Parking Association, including the first annual conference to be held in 1984 and a newsletter ‘the Canadian Parker Bulletin’.

We leave the early history to Mr. Ed Keate, who was the official ‘scribe’ (self-appointed from what I gather!) and who penned The First Seven Years of the CPA’s history. His original report is reproduced in this issue for all to read.

In the years since Ed chronicled the CPA's activities, much has been done to further the mandate of the founders. Some highlights follow.

To start, this year in Calgary we will be celebrating the 40th year anniversary since those historic meetings back in 1983. We have held 38 in-person annual events across our great country since the inaugural event held in 1984 and suffered through one virtual conference at the start of the Covid pandemic. This is the fifth time in Calgary, and we are thankful for the full support from Calgary Parking | ParkPlus System, our Host Sponsors, and all our current and past sponsors of this event. Sponsorship has been an important part of the CPA’s success over the years, and we are indebted to them all.

The CPA has made many advances in the past 4 decades. You will find in this issue the names of our past Presidents and members of the Board of Directors as they joined the board. This collective of volunteers has led the association through many challenges, but most importantly has built the association from its infancy to the professional association it is today. Thanks to each one of you who brought your own ‘special’ contributions!

CANADIAN PARKING FOUNDATION

The CPF was formed in the mid 1990’s, through the dedication of people like Maurice Anderson, Norm Webster, Grant Furlane and Bob Taylor, and with a mandate to provide a forum for higher level discussion and research. The World Parking Symposium, the first of which was held in Banff, Alberta was the forum. The success of that format continued for several years, being held in several European cities such as St. Andrews and Tel Aviv, to name a few. Canada hosted delegates from around the globe often.

IMAGE STUDY

Aware of the poor reputation the parking industry had, and to determine why it was so, in 1998, the CPA commissioned a National Image Study. Headed up by John McBride, five focus groups were held in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and Saint John with a random selection of community members identified to attend through local advertising. The survey and in-person focus groups were attended by persons based on age, where they parked in their city and occupation. Surprisingly, the main issues focused on safety, and not so much on cost as many assumed. Further, it was discovered that while women feared for their personal safety, the men only worried about the safety of their vehicles! Many other issues were discovered through this study and the results were the basis on which the CPA moved the strategic plan forward in the years following.

SCHOLARSHIPS

In the quest to deliver education and to support the CPA, the CPF developed a Scholarship program for members that extended to family and staff. The CPA has continued to manage the program and to date, has awarded $286,000 to 140 eligible students.

In 2004, the CPA established “The Tom Arnold Scholarship in Parking Industry Advancement at York University”. This endowment continues to provide financial support to York University students in honour of the late Tom Arnold, who was an active member and after years as a director succeeding through each of the Executive positions, served as president of the CPA in 1999 – 2000.

AWARDS PROGRAM

The Foundation also introduced the Ted Seeberg Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Canadian Parking Industry and the Ed Keate Award for Outstanding Contribution to Advancement of Knowledge in the Parking Industry, with many deserving recipients recognized.

Now known as the Founders Awards, the CPA saw the need to expand the program to include Directors Awards that acknowledge excellence in the industry: Business Excellence, Innovation in Parking Operations & Programs, Marketing & Communications, CPA Contributing Member, Parking Supervisor of the Year, and Parking Staff Member of the Year.

THE PARKER

Our quarterly magazine has evolved from its original newsletter format to a full production under the keen eye of Brenda Hanna, who has overseen the production of over 150 quarterly issues. The magazine became the first bilingual magazine in the world for the parking industry. In recent years, it moved into electronic format and was published online. Budget demanded that print, postage, and translation fees would be set aside while we weathered some storms.

STAFF TRAINING

In the early 2000’s our training programs were introduced. Thanks to the support of Mickey Narun, we were able to acquire the rights to the NPA’s supervisor training program and create a Canadian-based specialized certification program, complete with – you got it – Canadian content! The former Certified Canadian Parking Facility Manager program (CCPFM) saw more than 200 candidates gain their parking credential in the early years and is now updated and rebranded to Parking Manager Certification (PMC). At the same time, the Parking Professional Primer (PPP) training program for front line staff was also developed.

TECHNICAL BULLETINS

Through the generous donation of time and expertise from industry experts, the library of Technical Bulletins has increased to 10, with more to come, and continues to be an exclusive benefit or membership. The recent surge in technological changes demands that this resource be expanded to include mobility, electric and autonomous vehicles, and the many other advances that are impacting parking operations today.

THE PANDEMIC

The industry was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to struggle as we find our way back to a new normal. The effects of home-based work, particularly in cities, has presented many challenges for parking and transit. Transitioning to multiple use is in the forefront for many operators to fill their garages and lots.

The Canadian Parking Association managed to fly under the radar during the pandemic, but has faced many challenges as membership and events, our largest revenue sources, suffered from members’ inability to support us during difficult financial times. We are seeing a positive return to activities and continue to manage with limited resources to offer the same benefits to members ad the industry as we rebuild.

We have hit many milestones and survived plenty of challenging times over the years, but with dedicated volunteers and members, we look into the future and continue to grow.

RIGHT-SIZING PARKING: Balancing Parking

Demand and Encouraging Active Transportation

As urban centres continue to grow and evolve, efficient land use and the management of parking facilities have emerged as critical challenges. Traditional approaches to parking allocation often result in an oversupply of parking, which in turn can lead to less efficient land use, higher construction costs, and the perpetuation of an over-reliance on private vehicle use. The innovative approach of Right-Sizing Parking represents a departure from the conventional mindset of “more is better” when it comes to parking supplies. Instead, it seeks to harmonize parking supply with actual demand while promoting sustainable transportation options to foster healthier, more livable communities.

The Right-Sizing Solution

Parking consumes valuable land that could be utilized for other purposes. In dense, compact areas where land is scarce and/or expensive, right sizing of the parking supply can result in creating space for affordable housing, community amenities or green spaces. Right-sizing also promotes opportunities to reduce reliance on private vehicle use, in turn reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. The concept of right-sizing parking has gained prominence in urban planning and transportation circles, tailoring the amount of parking more specifically to the specific needs of a particular development or location.

To achieve the delicate balance between parking supply and actual usage patterns, meticulous data collection and analysis are crucial. According to Ezekiel Dada, Regional Manager of Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan at Bunt & Associates Engineering Ltd., “One size does not fit all in the realm of parking. Different areas and land uses have distinct parking demands. In 2014, we were privileged to be involved in the N3 Condominiums located at Calgary’s East Village. Marketed as a ‘car-less condo’ for a new generation of young urbanites, N3 was the first of its kind in Calgary, promoting zero parking. We undertook research and a parking analysis to determine the feasibility and impact of not supplying any parking stalls on-site for both residents and visitors so that a decision on bylaw parking relaxation for the development could be made.”

The success of the N3 project set the stage for other developments to follow, and both the market and approving authorities have been supportive and progressive to this shift in thinking.

Encouraging Sustainable Transportation

While managing parking supply and demand is important, the encouragement of sustainable transportation options is equally significant. This requires careful planning, data analysis, and collaboration between urban planners, transportation engineers, developers, and local communities. With robust public transit networks, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and multiuse pathways, we can create more sustainable, walkable, and transit-oriented communities and lessen the need for parking.

Ezekiel Dada further explains, “Flyover Block in Calgary is another example of promoting zero parking. Located near Edmonton Trail and the newly emerging Flyover Park, the mixed-use development provides no residential parking. We conducted a Parking Study to evaluate the appropriateness of zero residential parking, identify Transportation Demand Management measures to support active transportation, and provide necessary parking mitigation measures.”

In an era where sustainability and resilience are paramount, the concept of right-sizing parking offers a refreshing perspective on urban mobility. By embracing this approach, cities can navigate the complex terrain of parking management while simultaneously paving the way for more active, livable, and connected communities.

About Bunt & Associates Engineering Ltd.:

Bunt & Associates is a leading transportation planning and engineering consulting firm in Western Canada, with five offices located in Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Vancouver, and Victoria. Bunt enjoys developing holistic parking solutions that recognise the needs of localized sites with the mobility goals of the communityat-large. For more information, please visit www.bunteng.com

Flyover Block, Calgary Image credit: FAAS

2023 Scholarship Program Recipients

THE CANADIAN PARKING ASSOCIATION CONGRATULATES THE WINNERS OF THE 2023 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Board of Directors of the Canadian Parking Association and the Canadian Parking Foundation are pleased to announce this year’s recipients for the CPA Scholarship program. To date, this program has provided over $286,000 in awards to deserving students.

Meghan Brown

Bach. Social Science (Law)

University of Toronto

Looking forward to the next stage in my life! I am going to University of Toronto, St. George campus, to study law. My current undergrad is Criminology and social sciences. I love spending time with my friends and family through activities such as hiking, board games and fun events such as shows and concerts. I love movies and pop culture. I had done dance for almost ten years until deciding to move forward with kung fu alongside my dad, achieving second degree black belt, with intentions to better myself through self-discipline and leadership. I can’t wait to continue to grow through new experiences and a variety of opportunities!

Sebastian Donatucci

Bach. Mechanical Engineering

Ontario Tech University

Hi, my name is Sebastian Donatucci. I’m 17 years old, and I graduated from Father Bressani Catholic High School with honours. I’m starting my first year in Mechanical Engineering in Ontario Tech University. Some of my hobbies and interests include playing piano, reading about history, and of course playing video games. Another fun fact about me is that I like to collect vinyl records from my favourite music bands. Some of these include Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Supertramp, and Green Day.

Graysen LaPorte

Bach. Psychology

University of Prince Edward Island

My name is Graysen LaPorte, I am an 18-year-old student from Cornwall, PEI. I am entering into my first year of science/psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island. In my spare time I enjoy playing baseball and hockey. In the future I plan to pursue a career as a sport psychologist or an occupational therapist.

Marley Uhryniuk

Bach. Psychology

University of Winnipeg

Marley is entering her fourth year of studies at the University of Winnipeg, working towards her Psychology Degree. Marley has played competitive sports since a young age and continues to play many sports during her time at university including ringette, hockey, ball hockey and more.

HOW SHOULD CANADIAN CITIES HANDLE PARKING MINIMUMS?

By Rob McConnell

Parking minimums have long been a fundamental principle of urban planning across Canada. The idea has traditionally been to assure that the parking requirements of new developments could be met within those developments without impacting nearby curbside spaces. Published in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Parking Generation and codified in most local bylaws, minimum parking requirements vary for different uses: residential developments often require one to two spaces per unit; retail and commercial usually have ratios based on gross floor area; and restaurants may be based on area or number of tables. Even hospitals and churches must satisfy local requirements to assure that they don’t overwhelm surrounding parking supplies.

Parking minimums have long been a bone of contention for developers. They complain that the requirements can be onerous, leaving their developments with scores of unused parking spaces, and unnecessarily driving up the cost of their projects. And it’s not just the cost that’s at issue. Parking can be very space intensive, and land that’s required for parking can’t be used to serve the development’s primary function. In some dense urban infill developments, structured parking and even automated mechanical is not even physically practical.

Recently, it has also become popular in some academic and urban planning circles to blame abundant parking for promoting car ownership and urban sprawl, along with the associated traffic congestion and pollution. Most notably, in 2018 the Fraser Institute in Vancouver declared that “It’s time for Canadian Cities to eliminate minimum parking requirements.”

Since the publication of Donald Shoup’s The High Cost of Free Parking in 2005, there has been increasing talk about eliminating parking minimums. Some cities are either reducing parking minimums or eliminating them to incentivize more development in their urban cores. But while approximately 200 communities across the U.S.

have reduced or eliminated parking requirements, Canadian cities have generally taken a more measured approach. Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto, which eliminated most parking minimums between 2020 and 2022, are the highest profile examples in Canada. Toronto implemented maximum parking caps with the goal, as stated in the November 2021 Report for Action, of taking “aggressive action” to manage “auto dependency” to address climate change, housing affordability, and demand for mobility. A cautionary note, though: a few U.S. cities have had to reinstate parking minimums after elimination caused unintended negative consequences.

WHY IT MATTERS

When determining how much parking a development needs, developers and city planners need to balance and right-size parking. As stated earlier, excessive parking requirements can unnecessarily cost developers a lot of money for the creation of underutilized spaces. Not only can this adversely impact the overall project by reducing the amount of space available for the project’s primary purpose, but it also adds maintenance and life-cycle costs that can be challenging to offset with parking revenues.

The impact of inadequate parking requirements on communities can be just as problematic. Contrary to what some pundits say, cities don’t reduce parking demand by reducing parking supply. Instead, when cities permit the development of projects with inadequate parking, they create additional stress on existing parking supplies. When workers at new commercial or retail developments or residents of new housing projects aren’t provided adequate parking, they are forced to look for parking elsewhere, usually on local streets or in nearby parkades and lots. This causes congestion on local streets and pollution as drivers fruitlessly search for on-street spaces. In addition to inconveniencing residents, this can also undermine public safety if it impacts first responders trying to get to an emergency. The additional demand also drives up parking rates in area lots and structures. When there’s more competition for a finite number of parking spaces, prices will inevitably increase. This places an additional burden on area residents and employees of local businesses.

MARKET DRIVEN

Every community is different, with its own unique needs and opportunities. A city with a robust public transit system or a history of micromobility adoption may need less parking than one in which vehicle commuting is the predominant means of transportation. Ideally, the free market should determine the appropriate balance between vehicle accommodation and development. Every developer wants a financially successful project, and achieving this requires the right mix of amenities, including parking. The perception of insufficient parking, excessive traffic cruising the blocks, or expensive parking drives customers away. Banks and other lenders also play an important role because they are unlikely to fund new developments with insufficient parking. Development financing is predicated on having a marketable, competitive product and, in most places, this means providing some amount of parking.

How do you figure out how much parking is needed? Certainly, a parking consultant can help by evaluating current parking needs and anticipated growth in those needs. A parking consultant can also identify opportunities for reasonable parking reductions based on shared use, alternative transportation modes in play, and other transportation demand management strategies.

At face value, elimination of parking minimums should allow the free market to dictate the necessary amount of parking. It’s not always that simple, though. Public-private projects, where private developers are backed by public money, may not have the input of private lenders. Publicly funded projects may be guided by social policy or other non-market-driven goals.

Affordable housing is one building type at the center of the current debate. By minimizing or altogether eliminating parking, the developer can use the savings to build more housing units, which serves a public benefit. There is little risk to the developer in doing so, given the subsidized nature of the development. There are, however, unintended consequences.

In most cities, in-town residents need a car to get to work, go shopping, visit friends and family, and find entertainment. Sure, it’s less of an issue in cities in very dense urban areas with good public transit, but these are the exception, not the rule. This is a

particularly important issue in neighborhoods located in larger cities. Urban areas can be “food deserts” in which there are no grocery stores. In these communities, residents must have access to a car just to get food for their families.

People with disabilities can also be significantly impacted when parking minimums are eliminated. Is it reasonable to ask someone with mobility challenges to park several blocks from their residence or walk up to a half mile to a transit station? This is a particularly important issue in a country like Canada, where cities often face long winters with frequent inclement weather that can impact mobility for people with disabilities. Likewise, is it fair to people with disabilities who already live or work in the neighborhood to have share often insufficient supplies of barrier-free parking spaces with people who should be parking in that development?

For these reasons, applying (or not requiring) parking minimums must be balanced and fair. As planners, we must operate on the assumption that most people in a given community have a car or other personal vehicle. In fact, one recent study found that 83

percent of Canadians own or lease a vehicle, and 81 percent of car owners felt it would be “impossible not to have a car.” Limiting the availability of parking spaces doesn’t reduce the number of vehicles needing to park in the area; it just increases competition for those limited spaces and, ultimately, their cost.

There are better ways to manage parking demand while reducing the amount of land required to accommodate that demand. Shared parking, for instance. Some Canadian parking bylaws allow some amount of shared parking. If, for instance, a church is being developed in a neighborhood, it can partner with another local entity with complementary parking needs, such as an office building. The church will primarily need access to parking on weekends while the office will need it during the week. Rather than develop separate parking for each, the two can share the same parking facility. There are numerous examples of entities that can share parking in this way.

Parking management and enforcement are also essential. When parking minimums are reduced or eliminated, cities must be prepared for additional cars occupying on-street spaces for extended periods of time. When long-term parking occurs on-street rather than off-street, the convenient parking spaces that local business need for their customers aren’t available, driving them elsewhere. The city ends up hurting their local businesses and, as a result, losing tax revenue.

Cities must implement planning approaches that encourage space turnover, such as parking time limits and targeted pricing strategies. Of course, this strategy doesn’t work without adequate enforcement.

TARGETED STRATEGIES

Reducing or eliminating parking minimums isn’t necessarily a bad strategy, but city leaders and planners need to be aware of the risks. In most cities, new developments without parking will inevitably force residents or visitors to the new development into local parkades and lots or onto local streets to find parking. This will almost certainly drive up the cost of parking in the area, intensify congestion on the local streets and in the surrounding neighborhoods, and could well have other unintended consequences.

Ultimately, every community presents unique challenges and opportunities that must be addressed individually by cities and their parking consultants. Some cities have sufficient parking resources to handle additional vehicles and can benefit from reducing parking minimums by promoting the use of public transportation, providing land for green space, or achieving other public policy goals. Others though, will be adversely affected by congestion and rising costs. The best solution will be targeted at addressing the unique situation facing individual communities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rob McConnell is Vice President at WGI Parking Solutions. He can be reached at Rob.McConnell@wginc.com.

VISIONARY

• Nils Adler Terry Ringler

• Maurice Anderson

• Vic Robertson

• Bill Arons

• Joan Ross

• John C. Beaston

• Ted R. Seeberg

• Frank Brown

• John Sherk Walter Crinchic

• Peter Slogget

• Ed Curlette Richard Smith

• Daryl Duda

• Gerry Stanton

• Jim R. Edwards

• Al. Swanson

• Barry Findlay

• Dennis Tasker

• William Fitzgerald

• Bob Taylor

• Gerry Friday

• Sid Taylor Hugh Fulton

• Gerry Thatcher

• Harold Gold

• Lucille Turner

• John Griffin

• Ron Vopni

• Ed Keate

• Harvey Whetstone

• Albert King

• Ted Williams

• Burnett J. Konsmo

• Ed Charlebois Edward Laprade

• Reg Lewis

• Ken Low

• George Mackay

• Roy Mccormick

• Ron Mckenna

• Bruce Manser

• Ronald F. Mazza

• James Middleton

• Robb Miles

• Gabe Mullen

Len Nederloff

• Ken O'neal

• Al. Pasenti

• David Percy

• Brian Perry

• Tim Phillips

• Rod Portelli

WELCOMING MEMBERS TO THE CPA

We welcome the following new members to the Canadian Parking Association. Some are new to the industry, and some familiar names have been a part of the industry for several years, and are now included in the CPA membership. Thanks to all members for your support.

ACCEO Solutions Inc. (formerly known as gtechna)

Audrey Pare-Chung

75, rue Queen, bureau 5100

Montreal, Quebec H3C 2N6

Agence de mobilité durable

Jerome Boulicault

Lurent Gautier

Pegah Nouri

Maxime Rivard

Mathieu Séguin

2100 rue Drummond, Bureau 500

Montreal, Quebec H3G 1X1

Amano McGann Canada Inc.

Angus McCutcheon

4123 Belgreen Drive, Unit 1

Ottawa, ON K1G 3N2

Brock University

Matthew Lauer

Jen Lawson

Jolene Matthews

Samantha Morley

1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way Parking Services, Inside Campus Store St. Catherines, ON L2S 3A1

Calgary Parking | ParkPlus System

Medina Dehatee

Abdul Rafih

Waqar Sajid

620-9th Ave., SW.

Calgary, AB T2P 1L5

City of Guelph

David Di Pietro

Joan Ferguson

Dustin Gronc

1 Garden St.

Guelph, ON N1H 3A1

City of Moncton

Natalie Landry

655 Main St.

Moncton, NB E1C 1E8

City of Nanaimo

Paul Drescher

Dave Laberge

455 Wallace St.

Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J6

Dillon Consulting Ltd.

Doug Green

Brent Hooton

Jeff Probert

#800, 235 Yorkland Blvd.

Toronto, ON M2J 4Y8

eleven-x

Mark Hall

311-375 Hagey Blvd.

Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5

FlashParking

Gary Neff

3801 South Capital of Texas Highway Suite 250

Austin, TX 78704 USA

Halifax Airport Authority

Jo-Anne McLean

Meaghan Ramsay

1 Davison Dr.

Fall River, NS B2T 1E7

HRYCAY Consulting Engineers Inc.

Justine Arbour

1725 North Talbot Road

Oldcastle, ON N9G 0C2

Indigo Park Canada Inc.

Robert Finkelstein

1 Place Ville Marie #1130

Montreal, QC H3B 2A7

Interior Health Authority

Kirby MacIver #104, 2355 Acland Rd. Kelowna, BC V1X 7X9

J.J. MacKay Canada Ltd.

Dan Benoit

Graham Cruickshank

1342 Abercrombie Rd. Box 338 New Glasgow, NS B2H 5E3

Kelowna International Airport

Jeff Monk

1435 Water Street

Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J4

NEOGARD, part of Hempel

Greg Patterson PO Box 908

Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0

OSCO (Precon/Strescon)

David Hanna

35 Rutherford Rd. S. Brampton, ON L6W 3J4

ParkChamp

Edward Abbey

Raunak Gupta

Stacey Pepper-Mayo 333 11th Avenue SW, Suite #210

Calgary, AB T2R 0C5

Parker Technology

Heidi Barber

Scott Gould

1630 N. Meridian St., Suite 125

Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA

Precise Parklink

Cassandra Carchesio

Andrew Sgorlon

100 Floral Parkway

Toronto, ON M6L 2C5

Sika

Joseph Hui

601 avenue Delmar

Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 4A9

SP Plus Corporation Canada

Michael Giles

Rossi Piro

70 York Street, Suite 1410

Toronto, ON M5J 1S9

St. Joseph’s Health Care London

Leanne Robichaud

268 Grosvenor St.

London, ON N6A 4V2

T2 Systems

Poppy Guloien

Jen Luczak

8900 Keystone Crossing #700

Indianapolis, IN 46240 USA

Toronto Parking Authority

Rosemary Consentino

PO Box 21

Toronto AMF, ON L5P1A2

Toronto Police Service

Nadene Noorzad

330 Progress Ave., 2nd Floor

Toronto, ON M1P 2Z4

Town of Oakville

Jim Barry

Jill Stephen

1225 Trafalgar Road

Oakville, ON L6J 5A6

Université de Moncton (Campus de Moncton)

Sybille Hanquet

18, rue Antoine Maillet

Moncton, NB E1A 3E9

University of Ottawa

Otmane Lamrani

Parking and Sustainable Transportation

139 Louis Pasteur

Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

THE CANADIAN PARKING ASSOCIATION & BE THE FUTURE OF PARKING & MOBILITY

You will find value in the opportunities offered by the Canadian Parking Association to help you learn more about the advancements in the industry through networking, local events, specific training programs and much more.

MEMBER RATES TO SUIT YOU

From new startups to a 50+ person company, we have a membership rate to suit your needs.

Get... INVOLVED

Being part of the CPA community means being involved in the future of the Canadian Parking Association.

CONNECTED

There are multiple networking opportunities to connect with the Canadian parking and mobility community to create new longlasting business relationships.

EDUCATED

Canadian-based training programs and certification, seminars, and events, offer opportunities to become an industry expert and thought-leader.

NOTICED

Raise your personal and corporate brand awareness through articles, presentations, exhibitions, sponsorship, and advertising opportunities offered by the CPA.

Winnipeg Airports Authority

Chantal Landry

200 Wellington Ave.

Winnipeg, MB R3H 1C2

WPS Canada Inc.

Golam Tarafder

Scott Townsend

5630 Tomken Rd., Unit 4 & 5

Mississauga, ON L4W 1P4

WSP Canada Inc.

Selby Thannikary

2300 Yonge St. Box 2385

Toronto, ON M4P 1E4

All New Cloud-Based Platform

• Powerful, Responsive Design

• Manage Parking Operations From Any Device

• No Apps Needed

• Por tfolio Management

• Quick-Scan Onboarding

• Seamless Updates

• Auto-Scale For Optimal Per formance

• 24-Hour AWS Monitoring

Transaction Speeds as Fast as USB Plug-And-Play

• Only One Moving Part

• Reduced Maintenance

• Reduced Downtime in the Lane

• Smallest Cash Payment Kiosk in the Industry

OVER PER ROLL

The Amano ONE product comes into the market as a revolutionary new offering for software and hardware configuration. I think it gives them an opportunity to be a game changer in the industry.

- Jed Hatfield Colonial Parking Inc.

CPA LEADERSHIP

1983 Steering Committee

• N.J. 'Toby' Cantwell, General Manager, Calgary Parking Authority

• Vic Robertson, Regional Sales Manager, Southam Specialty Printing

• T.R. Ted Seeberg, Consultant, Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.

• Frank D. Brown, Manager, Thunder Bay Parking Authority

1984 First Elected Executive Committee

President: Frank Brown, Thunder Bay Parking Authority

• Vice President: Al Swanson, Calgary Parking Authority

• Treasurer: Maurice Anderson, Toronto Parking Authority

• Secretary: Vic Robertson, Southam Specialty Printing

1984 Board of Directors

Vancouver: Ed Keate, Downtown Parking Corporation Ltd.

• Alberta-Saskatchewan-Manitoba: Brian Perry, Easy Park (Calgary)

• Ontario-Quebec: Rod Portelli, United Century Parking Services

• Maritimes: Richard Smith, Saint John Parking Commission

• Public & Institutional Operators: Lucille Turner, University of Guelph

Private Operators: Walter Kordiuk, Citipark (Toronto)

Suppliers: Gerry Stanton, Canadian Barrier Ltd.

Directors through the years

1985

• Ed Keate, Vancouver Downtown Parking Corporation Ltd.

• Brian Perry, Easy Park (Calgary)

Rod Portelli, United Century Parking Services

Lucille Turner, University of Guelph

• Richard Smith, Saint John Parking Commission

• Walter Kordiuk, Citipark

• Gerry Stanton, Canadian Barrier Ltd.

1986

• Paul Charles

1987

• Terry Ringler, City of North Bay

• Yvon Sabourin, City of Hull

• Rex MacLaine, Halifax Developments Ltd. Director Ron Gordon, City of Oshawa

• Shirley Northrup, City of Ottawa

• Grant Furlane, Syscorp

1988-1989

• Paul Clough, Imperial Parking Ltd.

• Harold Duerhammer, Canadian Parking Equipment Ltd.

• Bob Taylor, Calgary Parking Authority

Gerald J. Girard, Eastern Allright Parking Ltd.

1990-1991

• Bohdan Maslo, City of Edmonton

• Peter Baker, Hamilton Parking Authority

• Ken Laustsen, Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.

• Philip Gore, Carleton University

• Richard J. Smith, Saint John Parking Commission

• Ralph C. Matheson, Imperial Parking Ltd.

1992

• Ellie Thomson, Southam Paragon Graphics

• Norris P. Zucchet, The Parking Authority of Toronto

1993

Marc-A. Fortier, Société Parc-Auto du Québec Metropolitain

• Chris Hartt, Victoria General Hospital Foundation

• Robert D. Ferguson, University of Saskatchewan

• Walter Kordiak, Citipark

1994

• George MacKay, J.J. MacKay Canada Ltd.

• John McBride, City of Kitchener

1995

John Smithman, University of British Columbia

Geri Kozorys-Smith,Marshall, Macklin Monaghan Ltd.

Doug Poirier, Imperial Parking Limited

• William de Niverville, City of Moncton

1996

Tom Arnold, York University

• Andre David, Stationnement de Montreal

• Joe Condon, Charlottetown Area Development Corp.

1997

Dale Fraser, Calgary Parking Authority

• Jim Langridge,City of Prince George

• Harry J. Renaud, Imperial Parking Ltd.

1998

• Neale D. George, Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.

1999

• Karl Dren, City of Niagara Falls

• Carole Dunlevie (Whitehorne), Carleton University

• Jorge Gonzalez, Airport Group Canada Inc.

• Chris Isles, WPS North America

• Ken Petry, Greater Vancouver Regional Hospital District

2000

• Ralph Bond, BA Group

• Pierre Blouin, Traf-Park Inc.

2001

• Janice Legace, City of Fredericton

• Mickey Narun, Standard Parking of Canada Ltd.

• Russell Phillips, City of Winnipeg

2002

• Roy McCormick, Spots Parking Inc.

• Gwyn Thomas, Toronto Parking Authority

• Scott Wallace, Read Jones

Christoffersen

• Bryan Wallner, Imperial Parking Canada Corp.

2003

• Bruce Cousin, Imperial Parking Canada Corp.

• Paul Decloux, Calgary Airport Authority

• Daniel Ho, University of British Columbia

• Randy Scott, Algonquin College

2004

• Rickie Pattenden, McMaster University

• Linda Rubell, Government of Manitoba

• Stephane Thibodeau, City of Moncton

2005

• Paula Nichols, City of Kingston

2006

• Rick Duffy, WPS Canada Ltd.

• Louis Letiecq, University of Calgary

Edward Olender, Cale Systems

• Sandra Smith, Whistler By-Law

• Chris Stewart, Western University

2007

• Sue Blackwood, Edmonton Airports

2008

• David Hill, Independent

• Bill Van Ryswyk, Security Through Safe Design

2010

Daniel Germain, Indigo

• Jackie Lachapelle, Calgary Parking Authority

• Anna Marie O’Connell, City of Guelph

• Jim Taylor, J.J. MacKay Meters

2012

• Judy Wall, University of Saskatchewan

2013

• Brett Bain, Edmonton Airports

• Kobie Brandt

• Steve Foster, Calgary Stampede

• Janice Legace, City of Fredericton Alex MacIsaac, University of Toronto

2015

Lorne Persiko, Toronto Parking Authority Sab Sferrazza, London Health Sciences

• Nick Spensieri, GO Transit

• Randy Topolniski, Winnipeg Parking Authority

2016

• Nigel Bullers, EasyPark

2017

• Reachel Knight, Calgary Parking

2018

Luc Charbonneau, Aeroports de Montreal (Dorval)

Sylvie Mercier, RJC Engineers

2019

Sharon Lewinson, ACT Canada

2020

• Frank Cavaliere, RJC Engineers Sam Cusick, AIMS (EDC Corp.)

2023

Adamo Donatucci, Precise Parklink

• Rozanne Haddad, Interior Health

• Ismo Husu, City of Victoria

• James Mackay, J.J. Mackay Meters Ltd.

• Ken Skinner, Crombie REIT

The Curbside Management Dilemma

Curbside management confronts a dual challenge fueled by vehicle diversity and curb scarcity, amplifying each other's complexity.

The roads are filled with more vehicle types than ever. Traffic congestion has become the norm due to an unprecedented number of vehicles that range from public transit buses and taxis to ride-sharing services and delivery trucks — everything doubled by the ever-growing presence of bikes and scooters.

Beyond parking concerns, curb management now entails orchestrating enforcement that can balance convenience and regulations. And all changes must occur with user experience and financial limitations in mind.

The curbside's scarcity further intensifies the issue, asking for innovative solutions that can navigate the needs of each location, depending on its size, traffic flow, and seasonal fluctuations.

Effective curbside management calls for out-of-the-box strategies that embrace the individual rhythms of diverse urban contexts, ensuring safety and ease for citizens navigating this dynamic landscape.

“With every implementation, our solutions have helped to streamline the daily urban flow and build an ecosystem where curbside spaces are used to their fullest potential, catering to specific requirements. We consider every aspect of urban life, from bike lane and scooter management to smart curbside allocation, to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall urban experience.” —

Jolyanne Mathieu, Director, Professional Services, gtechna

Unlocking the Future of Curb Management: LPR, AI, and Curb Digitization

By Mike Bourre

License Plate Recognition (LPR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and curb digitalization are here to reshape curbside management and enforcement, paving the way for safer, more efficient urban mobility.

A Holistic Approach to Gain A Strategic Asset

AI and curbside digitization solutions powered by gtechna go beyond vehicle allocation in designated areas. These cloudbased, integrated solutions record infractions, zone specifics, and evidence for dynamic enforcement, allowing municipalities to adapt to changing traffic patterns, peak hours, and seasonal variations.

It's a data-driven approach that optimizes curbside management, empowering enforcement agencies with real-world data for tailored actions rather than generic rules, maximizing resource efficiency.

How LPR Is Evolving to Streamline Curbside Operations

License Plate Recognition technology gained popularity thanks to its ability to rapidly identify vehicles by license plate, cross-referencing them against databases of parking rights. LPR technology adoption has provided seamless access for authorized vehicles and swift flagging of violations.

With the automation of this process, agencies can reallocate their workforce to other tasks, achieving a harmonious enforcement approach. Plus, the precision of LPR minimizes the chances of inaccurate ticketing, bolstering compliance rates and fostering trust among citizens. Looking ahead, the fusion of further curbside digitization and the integration of AI presents a progressive evolution for LPR. This advancement addresses challenges that previously necessitated manual

intervention, such as dealing with vehicles parked in fire hydrant zones or loading areas.

LPR evolved to overcome its initial constraints for increased efficiency and compliance. Enriched with AI-driven insights, it simplifies curbside management to keep up with an increasingly intricate urban landscape.

“With AI LPR, we achieve complete automation. We’re empowering a new generation of autonomous smart enforcement with tickets practically generating themselves; officers patrol while the system assesses rules and auto-enforces. Our clients can now manage all alert types for continuous enforcement. With a robust evidence package that includes GPS location, rear and side profile images, valve stem details, and even occupancy status within the vehicle, this package seamlessly integrates with an Invoice-by-mail workflow, requiring minimal officer involvement.” — Sgt. James A. Olivieri, CD (Ret’), Senior Enforcement Advisor, gtechna

The Next Step: Ecosystem Visualization with Complete Digitization of City Landscapes

As new solutions substitute paper-based, unconnected systems, we're redefining curbside management into a lucrative investment for the community.

We have the technology to create accurate representations of curbside ecosystems for an innovative approach to curb management. Digitization with GIS Mapping layering datarich polygons over standard Google Maps data augments existing mapping to capture the ever-increasing complexity of curb topography.

This digitization journey takes on a new dimension by employing AI cameras and harnessing the capabilities of artificial intelligence. By leveraging machine learning, AI cameras can be trained to recognize the various zones and business rules. We can teach AI contextual awareness to integrate rules, regulations, and practical considerations into each designated zone.

Moreover, in real-time, we can integrate the data with various curb management systems to trigger automated responses, such as a ticket or invoice-by-mail workflow.

“Invoice-by-mail is an additional way to pay. It has been a gamechanger for enforcement automation centered around customer experience and compliance needs. Non-punitive customer-first solutions incentivize compliance, and we see increased demand from cities for these solutions. Operationally, it can help keep overhead low while meeting and exceeding financial objectives.” — Mitesh Sharma, Director, Product Management, gtechna

Transformative Project: Invoice-by-Mail in Boston

MBTA - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority governs one of the top parking programs in North America with gtechna technology that makes parking access and payment procedures frictionless and touchless.

Citizens in Boston benefit from features like pay-by-cell payment options, fixed LPR, and Invoice-by-Mail as a second payment option. Parking a vehicle triggers an Invoice-by-Mail workflow automatically, encouraging compliance over time.

The recipe for success for the MBTA is a customer-first and technology ownership mindset with cloud-based management solutions that give complete control over the data collected, leaving the door open for future integrations. Even greater value for the MBTA than the technology itself is the value of autonomy that ownership of tech and data provides.

The Goal: A Seamless Citizen Experience

At gtechna, we've learned that an impactful parking management system extends beyond efficient enforcement. Successful projects empower municipalities to create harmony between rules, convenience, and safety. Moreover, we empower cities by providing them with fundamental technology they can build on for continuous growth.

The curbside ecosystem is an extension of daily life, and it must simplify interactions and enhance the urban experience. So, every element, from digitally organized curbside allocations to AI-driven enforcement, must be calibrated to meet the diverse needs of pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, parkers, and public transportation passengers.

Enforcing the established norms in a changing environment requires an innovative mindset. It's not just about enforcing zones during specific hours; it's about doing so intelligently and adaptively. It’s no longer a nice-to-have but the new norm in line with citizen expectations and accommodating their fast-paced lifestyles.

“At gtechna, we advocate for customized solutions that consider the particularities of each community. For example, AI-equipped LPR vehicles can patrol bustling areas, while fixed cameras can diligently monitor time-sensitive loading zones. A highly customized, mixed solution powers a dynamic enforcement landscape that mirrors the changing patterns of urban movement, triggering an immediate response mechanism when needed.” —

David Alvarez, Director, Customer Success, gtechna

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mike Bourre, Vice-president Sales and Marketing, gtechna. He can be reached by email at Mike.Bourre@gtechna.com or by phone, 1 866.308.2430 ext. 5276.

The Canadian Parking Association’s Management Training and Certification.

The Parking Management Certification program (PMC) addresses the training needs of management teams and front-line supervisors who oversee parking operations.

This program sets performance and service standards at the point where the parking operation, technology, mobility, and the customer meet. The PMC credential is the standard by which performance can be measured.

Standards

Recognized as the benchmark for supervisory and management level employees in the Canadian parking industry, the program offers candidates a comprehensive study program that includes relevant and essential aspects of a standard parking operation.

The course is designed for quality and fairness in assessing the skill set for the industry and may be used by employers to evaluate candidates during the hiring processes.

Development Of The Certification Program

The study materials and examination outline contain information fundamental to the defined roles and responsibilities of parking managers. Content has been compiled from a cross-section of parking professionals from Canada and has been updated to include current information relative to today’s parking industry.

Course Content

OPERATIONS: Types, Design, Regulations, Loss Prevention, Equipment/Systems/Technology, Safety

REVENUE CONTROL: Accounting, Auditing

MOBILITY MANAGEMENT (TDM)

CUSTOMER SERVICE

MARKETING/ADMINISTRATION

MAINTENANCE

HUMAN RESOURCES

The Examination

The computerized PMC examination is composed of 150 four-option multiple-choice questions and is administered during a 3-hour testing session held in close proximity to the candidate’s home or workplace.

Former CCPFM Graduates

Holders of current CCPFM designation will be offered a discounted fee to study the revised materials and retake the examination. If certification has lapsed, full fees will apply.

Parking Industry Credential

The Canadian Parking Association, as the national authority for the industry in Canada, has the authority to grant or rescind the use of the professional designation of Parking Management Certification “PMC” to candidates who successfully complete the program.

Training Course