Parker Summer 2022

PARKER S U M M E R 2022

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FIND YOUR SPOT IN THE WORLD OF PARKING The parking industry is rapidly expanding in scope beyond the yellow painted stripes and gate arms of parking lots and garages. From curb management to virtual payments to harnessing the power of data, the wheels of innovation are in motion.

T2 is at the centerof this evolution, offering a growing platform of unified and intelligent solutions, tailor-made to help you overcome your challenges and achieve your goals while meeting your customer’s expectations of convenience in a competitive marketplace.

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IN THIS ISSUE

7 CPA Partnership Program

15 Welcoming Members to the CPA

8 If College and Healthcare Should be Free, Why Not Transportation?

16 Choosing Between Gated and Non-Gated Revenue Capture

By Gabe Klein

By Melissa Tucci

11 Canadian Parking Association Member Awards 2022

20-27 CPA 2022 Conference and Trade Show – Québec City

12 How do we inspire Canada’s largest city to adopt and embrace Electric Vehicles?

- Host Hotel & Accommodations - Schedule-at-a-Glance - Keynote Presentation - Session Presentations - Sponsorship Opportunities

By Jeffrey Dea

14 Press Release – Honk and Southland Printing

28 The Parking Meter Industry

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SUMMER 2022

30 Tom Arnold Scholarship in Parking Advancement Award Recipient 32 Press Release - eleven-x 33 The Canadian Parking Association’s Management Training and Certification 34 How to get the most out of your parking RFP

By Cynthia Bruce

39 Parking, Mobility & Transportation Products & Services Directory

By Shreeras Shetty

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OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

TREASURER

DIRECTORS

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

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

Nigel Bullers EasyPark nigel@easypark.ca

CPA STAFF

Sharon Lewinson ACT Canada info@actcanada.com

VICE PRESIDENT

PAST PRESIDENT

Brett Bain Edmonton Airports bbain@flyeia.com

Daniel Germain dgermain1@videotron.ca

Frank Cavaliere RJC Engineers fcavaliere@rjc.ca

Randy Topolniski Winnipeg Parking Authority randytopolniski@winnipeg.ca

SECRETARY

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

Nick Spensieri City of Vaughan nick.spensieri@vaughan.ca

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

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Carole Whitehorne 613 727 0700 x 10 carole@canadianparking.ca ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

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

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

OpinionsandrecommendationsprovidedbycontributorstoPARKERarenotnecessarilythoseoftheCanadianParkingAssociation.TheCanadianParkingAssociationdoesnotendorseorassumeanyresponsibility fordamagesarisingfromtheuseorapplicationofanyoftheequipment,services,technology,oropinionsexpressed,discussedoradvertisedinPARKER.TheCanadianParkingAssociationassumesno responsibility for errors or omissions in materials submitted for publication by vendors or authors of articles.

LesopinionsetrecommandationsfourniesparlescollaborateursduPARKERnesontpasnécessairementcellesdel’AssociationCanadienneduStationnement.L’AssociationCanadienneduStationnement n’endossepasetn’assumeaucuneresponsabilitépourdesdommagesquirésulteraientdel’utilisationoudel’applicationdetoutéquipement,service,toutetechnologieouopinionexprimés,discutésouannoncés dansLEPARKER.L’AssociationCanadienneduStationnementn’assumeaucuneresponsabilitépourdeserreursouomissionsdanslesmatériauxsoumispourpublicationparlesmarchandsouauteursd’articles.

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FROM THE EDITOR CAROLE WHITEHORNE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

T

he CPA’s mission statement was the jumping off point at the Board’s spring meeting held in mid-May. With so much water under the bridge since the pandemic hit, it was as good a place as any to start to evaluate operations, the status of the membership and programs, and define a plan to move forward into the new ‘normal’. If you can call it that. With the disrupters we have all faced, both personally and professionally, lets never be just normal!

The Canadian parking industry seems to be recovering at a different pace, depending on where you look. While some cities are welcoming back commuters to the downtown core and filling their parking facilities, others are slower to recover.

In Ottawa, for instance, the Federal government sector that occupies the lion’s share of leased space in downtown office towers are dealing with reluctant employees who want to continue to work from home to enjoy the new work/life balance that hasn’t been seen before, and who are choking on the cost of historic prices at the pump. Who can blame them? All the while, the rapid transit expansion trudges on while ridership on existing services remain low. But in Vancouver according to Nigel Bullers from EasyPark, it is business as usual.

Now, add to all of this is the EV invasion. Owners and operators are gearing up to accept and manage the charging requirements for the onslaught of EV’s that are predicted to hit the market and parking lots before we figure out how to fill the empty office buildings.

What is encouraging and very exciting is the return to in-person events and meetings. Let’s not forget that the Canadian Parking Association was a leader in presenting the Vancouver 2021 conference and trade show in person, amid the constant changing rules and mandates that are different from province

to province. But we forged on and everyone who attended, thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

I was honoured and excited to be invited to join the Ontario Campus Parking Association (OCPA) group as one of their founding members along with our current President, Alex MacIsaac to celebrate 25+ years as an organization. This was the first in-person conference of the Ontario-based campus parking managers since the start of the pandemic. Congratulations to the current and past organizers for keeping this group vibrant. The value of conversation, sharing, honesty, support, and mentorship are an example we can all take from.

Following that meeting I attended an in-person training session on contract and RFP negotiations in the meeting & tourism industries. I can tell you; it was the best conversation that could not be matched on the virtual platform. And if you think times are changing in the Parking industry, you want to see what the tourism industry is dealing with!

That brings me back to the CPA and Quebec City.

The lineup of presentations is nearing completion.

You will find some highlights in this issue of Parker.

Solid trade show, technical tour and our famous networking are in the works. We are adding some interesting touches to keep you entertained too.

Register today to attend this conference in person.

You won’t regret meeting your colleagues and new people to the industry – there has been a lot of change these past few years. Mark the dates October 16 – 19, 2022 and join us at the Hilton Quebec for our 2nd post-covid, in-person event! n

CPA MISSION We bring together professionals from across a broad spectrum of the parking and mobility industries to network, provide training, develop and adapt new technologies and enhance customer experiences for the betterment of our communities and industry.”

Carole Whitehorne, Executive Director

CPA Associate Partner

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FROM THE PRESIDENT ALEX MACISAAC, PRESIDENT

S

pring has passed and summer is upon us.

With the arrival of warm weather, we are still feeling the effects of the Pandemic. Moving closer to normality, back to pre-pandemic times, but with many new opportunities. Some of the changes that happened during these past two years will always remain with us, it's a new world.

While spending time networking on virtual roundtable meetings in the educational sector, I’ve realized just how many of us in the parking industry want in-person meetings to return. Your Canadian parking Association appreciates this and is prepared to satisfy this demand. As early as this summer the CPA will be organizing events like those we have offered in the past, so stay tuned for more details.

The focus of this conference and trade show is to rethink the vision for parking and mobility, given the impact the pandemic has had on both.

Speaking of events, as everyone who attended know, the success of the Vancouver 2021 conference demonstrated the desire for in-person meetings and get-togethers. We expect the 2022 conference in Quebec City to be even more popular. Early indications suggest that interest is growing from all aspects of our industry, both in terms of delegates and exhibitors.

The team is arranging many valuable presenters for the agenda, an expanded trade show and the usual, not to be missed networking opportunities.

The focus of this conference and trade show is to rethink the vision for parking and mobility, given the impact the pandemic has had on both. From the closure of businesses and entertainment venues to the impact on parking demand and transit while most cities and campuses emptied because of the exodus to work-from-home, to present day, where the debate about the return to offices vs hybrid and/or remote working is in full swing.

Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect, face-to-face with your colleagues, learn what has been going on across the industry and share your own experiences.

From May 11 – 13th, the Board of Directors held a strategic review of the Canadian Parking Association and its programming. Times are changing, and as we and our members emerge and start to recover from the pandemic, it is befitting to re-evaluate and develop programs and member benefits that align

PARKER STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CPA www.canadianparking.ca/contact

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with the times. To that end, I urge members to connect with their Board representative and provide feedback on items that are top of mind. All ideas and comments are welcome.

YOUR BOARD MEMBERS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SECTORS: AIRPORTS

Brett Bain, Edmonton Airports

CONSULTANTS & SERVICES

Frank Cavaliere, RJC Engineers

MUNICIPAL

Anna Marie O’Connell, City of Guelph

PRIVATE OPERATORS & DEVELOPERS

Daniel Germain

SUPPLIERS

Sam Cusick, AIMS (EDC) Corp.

UNIVERSITIES/ COLLEGES

Alex MacIsaac, University of Toronto

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Nigel Bullers, EasyPark

ALBERTA

Reachel Knight, Calgary Parking Authority

SASKATCHEWAN/ MANITOBA

Randy Topolniski, Winnipeg Parking Authority

ONTARIO

Nick Spensieri, City of Vaughan

AT LARGE

Ralph Bond, BA Consulting Group Ltd.

AT LARGE

Sharon Lewinson, ACT Canada

Contact information for your Board representative can be found on page 3 of this issue.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all well in the coming months and years, as you find your way back to new opportunities that are coming your way. n

Alex MacIsaac, President

EDITOR carole@canadianparking.ca | 613-727-0700 x 10

Distribution: 2,000

ADMINISTRATION teresa@canadianparking.ca | 613-727-0700 x 12

Call 613-727-0700 Ext. 12 for more details

DESIGN AND MARKETING brenda@canadianparking.ca | 613-727-0700 x 15

RESERVE YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE TODAY!

Partner with the CPA Partner with the CPA to provide opportunities for growth in the coming years, bring more programming and education to CPA members and take your place as a leader in Canadian parking and mobility innovation.

Champion, Principal and Associate levels are available, and each comes with many valuable benefits for a single annual fee.

When we join together, we all win!

SUPPORT CANADA! Promote your business to the parking and mobility industries in Canada by joining the CPA Partnership Program. We are keen to form strong partnerships and work with you to understand how we can create an alliance that is mutually beneficial to both parties, as well as for members of the CPA and those attending our events.

What’s in it for you?

Canadians are established as leaders in North America who embrace the development and use of technology in their daily activities, and the parking industry is at the top of this field.

Partner with the CPA and gain exclusive access to this unique Canadian market and help our members to continue to be leaders of this important trend.

Demonstrate pride in supporting a Canadian association that delivers many opportunities, including the Annual Conference and Trade Show, and connect with the serious buyers you are searching for. Members of the Canadian Parking Association and stakeholders who attend this annual event are the decision makers for their organizations. Time spent networking with these delegates produces significant opportunities for vendors.

Solid relationships are forged with the right people, ensuring a significant ROI to partners and exhibiting companies.

Partnership support establishes your company’s commitment to ensuring growth and profitability of this changing and diverse industry and puts your brand out front beyond the annual event through a targeted marketing program specific to the Canadian parking and mobility industry.

Download the Partnership Prospectus Document

Establish your organization as leaders by supporting business intelligence and knowledge that will shape the future of the industry, while addressing opportunities and disruptors!

Provide mentorship in developing best practices, standards and growth for members who serve their communities through professional development opportunities offered to partners.

Enjoy significant benefits such as featured listings in the CPA Directory, reduced exhibit fees, marketing opportunities, local and virtual networking events and other features included in an annual partnership.

If College and Healthcare Should be Free, Why Not Transportation?

First, A Mobility Wallet is Needed, Then Some Drive.

By Gabe Klein, Partner at Cityfi

Mobility What?

For the past 5 years, I have tried to get anyone that would listen, particularly in the mobility and real estate space to think about the importance of a “mobility wallet.” Back in pre-pandemic 2017, I was working in West Palm Beach on the Downtown Mobility Plan with the city's Mayor, Assistant City Manager, Head of Transportation, and a slew of great consultants. As we were meeting with the planning department, local developers, the Downtown Development Authority, and others, it became clear that there was a need to productize and simplify the mobility offerings in the city from the County’s transit services (Palm Trans) to the cities Circulator Trolley, the bikeshare system and so forth. The city's first planned microunit development was also being planned (it did not come to fruition), which spurred the conversation, “Why are we going to build parking spaces that are the same size as the units themselves?” We then realized that changing zoning was (and is) hard but writing new zoning specifically for microunits was very practical and could require an alternative to building parking. But what would that be?

Like a game of telephone, I now realize that there are many variations of what a “mobility wallet” means, and what it can do for our communities. In the original context, we envisioned creating an environment where instead of a developer funding many millions of dollars in new parking, we would entice (carrots) and require them in some cases (sticks) to alternatively fund a mobility wallet for every household in their apartment building, with $150-$200+ of free mobility services including unlimited transit, bikeshare and some number of rides on Brightline rail, a ride hail provider and carshare. In early conversations with providers, they said they would be willing to sell in bulk and/or at a discount to a developer, an employer, a city, or an intermediary. Furthermore, developers we talked to said that: if they could save the upfront capital expense of building parking and take a percentage of the interest on that saved capital to fund ongoing free mobility for residents, they would do it as it would give them a big competitive advantage. However, the two barriers they would face would be: 1) Would the financiers allow it? 2) What if a resident really wanted or needed parking?

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Why Has it Not Happened Before Now? Up until the COVID pandemic began, cities thought their municipal lots were highly utilized. In the case of West Palm Beach, lots were utilized to the tune of about 83% in 2018 during the day, but that number fell to the teens in the evenings. Therefore, if the city was willing to rent parking spaces to private developers for resident use at a rate of $150-$200, then they could. We also found that the banks were not going to stop lending to developers in West Palm Beach if the city changed their requirements or passed new zoning laws. In a nutshell, the entire program was not only feasible, it was also potentially a huge cost savings for all parties and in my mind, there were at least three new businesses to be had.

In our ensuing technical research for a technology provider, there was a gap and for a minute, I thought about starting a company to try to fill it. Instead (as an entrepreneurial victim of bad timing prior), I began to evangelize the concept and talk about mobility wallets to both policymakers and technology companies wherever I went. Years later, it feels like the time is finally right.

Why? Because at the local and now federal level with fresh new leadership, there has been a strong recognition that transportation access is key to upward economic mobility. Cities from LA and Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. and Miami are thinking of strategies to improve how we clean the air, make our streets safer, and give everyone access to quality jobs, good schools, and fun public spaces. With regard to enhancing transportation access, cities are offering free transit post-pandemic to get riders back, and some like Kansas City are free for all, all the time. Washington D.C. is seriously considering $100 of free Metro service for EVERY resident of the city (Yes!). Pittsburgh is piloting “Universal Basic Mobility” on top of the Move PGH program funded by philanthropy which I and our team at Cityfi were proud to contribute to along with NUMO, Spin and others. If you can’t afford to live on top of a transit stop, you should not be precluded from access, so we need all the first and last mile options that programs like Move PGH provide to extend the value of transit for the system to work for all. Free transit is a start but access to private and public transit options are necessary to give true mobility access in America, and that means a car too sometimes in 2021.

shared mobility program for an employer or an entire neighborhood or city. The key to providing any of this at real scale is a mobility wallet that allows automatic weekly or monthly deposits, discounts for multimodal trips, rewards programs for positive individual and societal impacts, and both individual and organizational refilling of program funds or ad-hoc debits.

Would a Person Want This?

Use an App?

Free transit in Singapore, certain days and times with behavioural nudges (Credit: Campaign Asia)

In an ideal world, the individual chooses what they spend the funding on. However, certain modes can be incentivized either through unlimited access or bonus trips awarded to users. This should link directly to climate benefits (limiting greenhouse gas emissions) and health for the individual, which in-turn can lower healthcare costs for participants and their employers. The individual also can save $ that can be put into areas like housing, savings, and food, and we can measure their happiness monthly, daily, or after every trip. Moreover, providers that score highest should also have more opportunities to grow with the program and be subsidized to serve more of the community more of the time.

Without a centralized system that includes trip surfacing, planning, multimodal booking, and APIs to other systems... from human resources and building management to mobility providers, it is hard to scale a parking alternatives program for developers, or a subsidized or universal basic

The age-old question arises… would someone use an app that aggregated the options + a mobility wallet? So let me state this simply. If I have $2400-$3600 being dropped into an application on my phone, whether from my city, my building owners, my employer (or ideally a combination), you can bet I am going to use it. I am going to open that app, and I am going to try the options that are being given

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to me. We have many of the individual pieces, but they need to be put together.

We can also potentially API out to other consumer facing applications and let people choose their interface of choice.

Is There a Business Here Also?

As per the above, yes, and this is another reason why this is the ideal time.

From a business perspective, there are many aggregated mobility apps out there, but there needs to be a really good differentiator over the individual native applications or frankly, Google Maps, for users to make a switch. We also want lots of open competition vs. walled gardens and to facilitate growth for the good actors and the best quality services. We know that the concept of Mobilityas-a- Service has had serious challenges of its own, and we also know that historically in the U.S., mobility services have a hard time making profit whether privately or publicly run. Some of this is due to poor land use planning and the corresponding American reliance on private automobiles, and some of it is due to high capital costs and/or heavy marketplace investments. This won’t change until we get a critical mass of people out of cars and onto transit and bikes, scooters and their own two feet.

Incentives, nudges and other behavioral economics tools can be funded by the private sector to reward people with free groceries, services including mobility for example (and even cash). The world of advertising and promotion is changing and companies like Miles and others are showing that direct rewards can be lucrative and positively addictive for good behaviors, just as alternatively the Washington D.C. bag tax dramatically cut usage overnight and has now been adopted in hundreds of jurisdictions around the world. We need carrots, and sticks in transportation, waste, and many other areas that have outsized societal outcomes.

Mobility Wallet Roadmap (Credit: Cityfi)

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Let's Do This Already: Now is the time to truly reduce the barriers to multimodal access; to stop incentivizing, funding, and building parking and single-occupancy subsidies that stimulate unnecessary driving; and to provide access and incentivize the right societal and individual outcomes.

An open, mobility wallet system + the connectivity to other government, work, and housing - administrative and back-office HR systems is what we need. This formula mixed with some drive from the public and private sector to power change will result in a win-winwin for people, planet, and profit. n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gabe Klein Partner, Washington DC https://www.cityfi.co/team/gabe-klein

Cityfi was founded in 2016 on the belief that great business practices and prudent policymaking matched with the appropriate technology can deliver first-rate results and positive outcomes.

Technology is a means, not an end.

A long-term, triple bottom line strategy – people, planet, profit – leads to higher returns and a more sustainable financial future.

CANADIAN PARKING ASSOCIATION

MEMBER AWARDS 2022 AWARD CATEGORIES Contributing Member

Parking Industry Business Excellence

Open to individual members of the Canadian Parking Association who have demonstrated a continued commitment to the development of the image of parking as a professional industry by:

Open to CPA members in the Supplier, Consultant and Private Operator sectors who demonstrate continued commitment to the development and advancement of the parking industry by:

• Excelling in their area of work and in their personal achievements; • Improving the value, efficiency and sustainability of the services they provide; • Participating in professional development activities which go beyond the average requirements; • Setting examples to which others aspire; • Developing a concept, process or procedure that enhances or improves the efficiency of an existing method that is adopted by their organization; • Showing evidence of leadership in the parking industry.

• Developing innovative technological advancements in areas that support the parking industry (innovations should go far beyond marginal improvements in existing products and services and will be based on breadth and depth of impact on the parking industry).

• Successfully satisfying client expectations in terms of product adaptation and reliable service excellence after sales; • Demonstrating excellence in entrepreneurship & business leadership; • Displaying commitment to the Canadian Parking Association through program participation and supporting development of new initiatives for members; • Demonstrating the ability to develop new products/services or make improvements to existing products/services through the application of an existing or new technology; • Applying innovative approaches to emerging trends which directly impact the parking industry.

Innovation in Parking & Programs Open to all members of the CPA who have operational processes, programs or technical innovations that exemplify the experience of innovation, economic results, benefits to its company or other groups in the community, and new developments that may be an advantage or value to others, all of which may represent new ideas or concepts, projects, or programs that benefit the parking profession and related sustainable programs.

Marketing & Communications For CPA members who create programs around value for customers, and/or highlighting the professionalism of the parking industry in the community, spotlighting outstanding marketing, promotional, public relations, and communications-outreach efforts in the parking industry and the communities served.

Parking Supervisor of the Year For parking supervisors in leadership positions at front line parking operations, who have made a marked difference through demonstrated solid leadership skills, guidance, and support of both the company and his/her direct reports.

Parking Staff Member of the Year Acknowledge an individual's exemplary customer service and demonstrated commitment to his/her team through actions above-andbeyond his/her job description.

FOUNDERS AWARDS The formation of the Canadian Parking Association more than 25 years ago lead to the realization that the parking industry is rich with professionals from many disciplines.

Contributions to the success of the industry range from the tireless dedication of volunteers to the creation of innovative systems and technology development. Many members of the parking industry have

been acknowledged by Principals of Read Jones Christoffersen through two awards: The Ted Seeberg Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Canadian Parking Industry The Ed Keate Award for Outstanding Contribution to Advancement of Knowledge in the Parking Industry

AWARD ELIGIBILITY

NOMINATIONS PROCESS

Only members of the Canadian Parking Association may submit a nomination, or be eligible to receive an award.

Information can be found on the CPA website at http://canadianparking.ca/cpa-awards/

PRESENTATION OF THE AWARDS Winners will be announced during the Annual Conference and Trade Show in Québec City, Québec, Oct 16-19, 2022.

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HOW DO WE INSPIRE CANADA’S LARGEST CITY TO ADOPT AND EMBRACE ELECTRIC VEHICLES? By: Jeffrey Dea, Vice President, Business Development, Toronto Parking Authority

The International Energy Agency reports that, despite a pandemic disrupted and turbulent year, sales of Electric Vehicles (EV) broke all records in 2021, and there is no sign this trend is waning in 2022.

From innovative battery technology to new EV models hitting the roads, there is no question that the stage is set for the EV market to reach its true potential and transform the way we travel. However, Toronto still faces a significant barrier to progress in this market - the lack of a comprehensive and publicly accessible EV charging network.

As adoption takes hold, EV owners will demand a charging network that offers simplicity, speed, choice, and ease of use. Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) is an important ingredient in meeting consumer demand in this regard, and our vision to become the world’s best provider of sustainable parking, bike share, and last-mile mobility experiences, strategically positions us to be a catalyst for EV adoption. We strive to meet our customers’ expectations every day, and we see our role in the transition to EV as an exciting opportunity, but there is no time to spare.

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The increase in EV ownership is creating a demand that we need to meet now. In addition, the City of Toronto’s TransformTO Strategy, launched in 2017, calls for a reduction in community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Toronto to net zero by 2040 – 10 years earlier than initially proposed. The strategy establishes 2030 goals that will see 30 percent of all registered vehicles on the road be electric and 75 percent of school/work trips under 5 km either walked, biked, or taken by transit.

Aligned with the global push for sustainability measures, Toronto’s net zero strategy is ambitious, and it requires immediate action. Major automakers are poised and ready to deliver new EV models to meet the demand and we must be ready to fulfill the other side of the equation.

Our President, Scott Collier, is up for the challenge. “We’re committed to making EV adoption more convenient than ever so that drivers can embrace the vehicles of the future. Without a customer-centric EV charging network that addresses these pain points, people will be reluctant to purchase electric vehicles.”

WORK IS ALREADY UNDERWAY In 2021, we began developing capabilities and tapped into the technical expertise to build an infrastructure deployment plan rooted in strategic planning and KPIs. These targets include installing over 250 EV charging stations by the end of 2023, with that figure doubling to 500 EV charging stations by the end of 2024. A public

charging network of this scale can transform how Torontonians travel and help meet the city’s carbon neutrality goals.

We are currently mobilizing our EV charging infrastructure program to deliver 50+ stations at off-street garage and surface lot locations by the end of 2022. In addition, we have partnered with Toronto Hydro to deploy an incremental 32 EV charging stations at TPA-operated off-street parking facilities, including both Level 2 and DC fast chargers.

In January 2022, Toronto City Council directed the City’s Transportation Services Division to work with Toronto Hydro and the TPA to install 17 or more on-street EV charging stations by the end of 2022. This is in addition to 17 on-street chargers installed in 2020 as part of a pilot initiative.

PARTNERSHIPS ARE KEY While meeting our customers' needs is priority one, there is also a tremendous opportunity to futureproof parking assets and commercialize EV services to drive additional revenue that can be reinvested into Toronto Parking Authority’s operations. It can’t happen independently. Collaboration and partnerships are key.

When we have partners who collectively share a vision of rapidly expanding the public EV charging network, ambitious goals become a reality. Directed by Toronto Council to assume control of the City’s on-street EV charging program beginning in 2023, TPA will rely heavily on its established relationships with Toronto Hydro, the City’s Transportation Division, and The Atmospheric Fund. We also strive to create partnerships with new organizations on infrastructure planning and funding opportunities as the rollout progresses.

TORONTO PARKING AUTHORITY RETURNED 1.2 B TO THE CITY SINCE 2001

WHAT’S NEXT? TPA is on its way to creating and operating a strong public EV charging ecosystem that will build confidence and support market growth and investment. We are building the foundation to scale up to 500 EV charging stations by the end of 2024 and work is underway to meet this target. There’s no question that the next few years represent a critical opportunity to accelerate EV adoption.

So, how do we inspire Canada’s largest city to adopt and embrace EVs? We create a charging infrastructure that is simple, convenient, and affordable. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Toronto Parking Authority Jeffrey Dea Jeffrey.dea2@toronto.ca

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PRESS RELEASE

HONK and Southland Printing Launch Strategic Partnership to Bring Unattended Payments to More Parking Locations Across North America MARCH 29, 2022

By combining HONK’s industry leading contactless payment technology with Southland’s ticketing and transit network, best-in-class unattended payments are coming to more locations across the US and Canada TORONTO, ON & SHREVEPORT, LA – HONK, North America’s leading provider of unattended contactless payments for parking, and Southland Printing (Southland), global provider of ticketing and transit solutions, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership that will bring HONK’s unattended payment solutions to more parking locations, across more geographies, starting immediately.

“Southland Printing could not be happier with our new strategic partnership with HONK,” said Jay Manno, President, Southland Printing. “This partnership strengthens the Southland brand – giving our customers & prospective customers more variety in solutions for their parking & transportation needs to go along with a variety of quality products Southland continues to offer all over the world. By promoting a top-quality product in HONK, we look forward to seeing both our organizations grow together into the future.”

Southland has over 60 years of experience with ticketing and transit solutions for the parking industry. Serving customers around the globe in over 49 countries, Southland has been a pioneer in the ever-changing ticketing world.

HONK’s contactless payment technology is trusted by municipalities, colleges & universities, real estate owners, and private parking operators throughout North America to increase throughput and revenue, while reducing operating costs and redundancies.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Southland to bring our suite of contactless payment solutions to more customers across the globe,” said Michael Back, HONK Founder and CEO. “Now more than ever, parking operators are seeking touchless, unattended payment solutions to streamline their operations while simultaneously giving their customers safe payment options. Our partnership with Southland provides an immediate avenue to achieve this goal by expanding our reach and filling consumer demand for quick, safe, and convenient parking.”

By combining expertise, networks and reach, the partnership between HONK and Southland Printing brings industry-leading unattended contactless payments to more parking facilities across the US and Canada at a time when consumer demand is at an all-time high.

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About Southland Printing Company, Inc. Founded in 1960 by John Manno, Sr. and currently under the leadership of Jay Manno, Southland Printing Company, Inc. delivers highquality printed parking and transit products that meet the ever-changing needs of its customers.

This commitment is evident through Southland’s market leadership and strong customer relationships. With its broad range of print-based solutions, Southland is trusted by more than 1,000 organizations in the United States and abroad, including parking operators, transit authorities, municipalities, universities, hospitals, and airports. Southland Printing is headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana. For additional information about Southland’s products and services, visit www.SouthlandPrinting.com.

About HONK HONK is North America’s leading provider of safe, contactless payments for the parking industry. Since 2013, HONK has been creating touchless solutions to make paying for parking easier, faster, and safer for drivers. Motorists can download the HonkAPP to search and pay for parking and extend their parking session right from their phone. Or they can opt to use HonkTAP smart stations for a contactless way to pay. Simply tap or scan a mobile phone — no app download or pay station required. HONK is trusted by millions of drivers and is accepted at over 5,000 locations across the United States and Canada. honkmobile.com

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.

Interchange

Thanks to all members for your support.

The

ACCEO Solutions Inc. (formerly known as gtechna) Umair Nahahi 5100-75 Queen Street Montreal, Quebec H3C 2N6 Carleton University Michelle Mozley 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 City of Fredericton Charlene Sharpe 397 Queen St. Fredericton, NB E3B 1B5 City of Guelph Sean Fox Terry Gayman Paul Hutchison Shawn Kitto 1 Garden St. Guelph, ON N1H 3A1 City of Hamilton Joanne Starr 60 Main St. W Hamilton, ON K7L 2Z3 City of Kelowna Cody Passley 1435 Water St. Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 1J4 City of Kingston Dan Vicente 216 Ontario Street Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3

City of Kitchener Karl Gallagher 200 King St. W. Box 1118 Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7

Halifax Regional Municipality Christopher Dixon 110 Grassy Lake Dr. Halifax, NS B3S 0E8

City of Markham Christopher Bullen Grace Lombardi Melissa Mineo 101 Town Centre Blvd.

Markham, ON L3R 9W3

Indigo Park Canada Inc. Darren Downey Roberto Ferra Matt Hiez John Laires Marie-Annick Laroche Kenny McIlroy Phuc Nguyen Nathalie Romanesky Manisha Shahsamand 1 Place Ville Marie #1130 Montreal, QC H3B 2A7

City of Nanaimo Craig Dishkin Walter Taylor 455 Wallace St. Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J6 City of Timmins Sherry Laneville Lisa Burns Steph Palmateer 220 Algonquin Blvd. East Timmins, ON P4N 1B3 City of Vancouver Alina Cheng Parking Operations & Enforcement 120-814 Richards St. Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3A7 City of Vaughan Vince Musacchio 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., City Hall, Level 100 Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1 Dimonoff Jostran Lamontagne 1015 Ave. Wilfrid-Pelletier, Suite 410 Quebec City, Quebec G1W0C4

Morrison Claims and Risk Services Chris Morrison 1200 Speers Road, Unit 3 Oakville, ON L6L 2X4 Newton Group Ltd. Charlene McManus 41 Massey Rd. Guelph, ON N1H 7M6 Okanagan College Elaine Smith 1000 KLO Rd Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8 Parking Whisperer John Oglesby 2101 Dansmere Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73170

Southland Printing Company Inc. Charles Gutierrez 213 Airport Drive P.O. Box 7263 Shreveport, LA 71137, U.S.A. Toronto Parking Authority Jeffrey Dea Justin Hanna Howard Jung Jarrett McDonald Sasha Rana 3 Queen St., E. Toronto , ON M5C 1R5 Univerisite Laval Yves D’Astous Carl Poulin Claudie Tremblay Josee Dionne Pavillon Maurice-Pollack 2305, rue de l’Universite Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6 University of Regina William Heaman 3737 Wascana Pky., Rm 108 College West Regina, SK S4S 0A2 University of Toronto Scarborough Sandi Richens 1265 Military Trail Rd., AA425 Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4

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CHOOSING BETWEEN GATED AND NON-GATED REVENUE CAPTURE

By Melissa Tucci

A

parking lot is often your customers’ first and last interaction with your facility and can therefore have a direct and memorable impact on their overall satisfaction with the experience. The parking operation should be clean and safe, and the equipment you use to control access and generate revenue from parking should be functional and appropriate to the task.

Capital costs

Each parking lot has a unique set of conditions that all need to be addressed in designing a solution – not only what types of parkers you want to attract or deter, but what means are at your disposal to finance the operation.

Multi-space meters in ungated parking lots, by contrast, require only the meters themselves, which are usually less expensive to begin with. They can more easily be offered on an all-in rental basis, eliminating the need for capital purchase. As some parking operators upgrade their systems from ungated to gated systems, an increasing number of refurbished multi-space meters are available on the market, providing a unique opportunity for smaller businesses and municipalities to launch a paid parking program using certified equipment.

SOME ITEMS TO CONSIDER INCLUDE:

• Capital costs

• Projected revenues

• Installation costs

• Life expectancy

• Maintenance costs

• Updates and certification versus forklift upgrades

• Operational costs

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Gated parking systems are more expensive not only because more equipment is required — terminals and barriers at the entrance and exit, pay stations, servers, etc. — but the equipment itself is more complex.

ALTHOUGH UNGATED SOLUTIONS ARE CONSIDERABLY LESS EXPENSIVE TO PURCHASE, INSTALL, AND MAINTAIN, THEY ARE DRAMATICALLY MORE EXPENSIVE TO OPERATE BECAUSE OF THE LABOUR REQUIRED TO ENFORCE THEM.

Installation costs

Operational costs

Installing gated systems requires a great deal of design and engineering. You’ll need to take into consideration how cars will approach and queue at the entrance and exit gates.

The single greatest expense in any parking operation is the wage and benefits for human resources.

The terminals and gates will need to be mounted on concrete islands. If the islands were framed and poured to spec, installation can proceed unimpeded. If not, the islands may need to be chipped to allow for the appropriate placement of conduit. Cabling (both power and communication) will then need to be pulled into place. Not only are there more individual pieces of equipment involved in a gated system, but the pieces themselves are more complex, and thus requiring greater time and expertise to install.

On the other hand, multi-space meters will require a concrete pad, but unless they are being installed indoors, they are often fitted with a solar panel to charge their internal battery, and they rely on cellular data networks for their communications.

This means they can be installed in as little as a day.

Maintenance costs All parking systems, whether gated or ungated, are subject to the effects of their environments and the frequency of their use. On average – and with an appropriately adhered to preventative maintenance schedule, a parking system of any kind will last for eight to ten years, with maintenance and repair costs rising as the equipment ages.

Due to the complexity of gated parking equipment, maintenance and warranty costs are generally higher than for ungated systems. Any operator installing a gated parking solution will want to select a technology partner that has factory training as well as extensive practical experience maintaining the solution constituent systems to keep it functioning perfectly while avoiding unnecessary work, which can be costly.

Multi-space meters are also subject to warranty and maintenance costs, though because the technology is simpler and often less of it, these costs are likely to be lower. However, ungated lots require enforcement to ensure compliance, which brings with it a number of maintenance costs not associated with gated systems — namely, licensing and support for the technology, warranty and maintenance on the enforcement technology itself, and fuel and maintenance for any enforcement vehicles that are used.

Regardless of the parking system you determine is best in your application, you will maximize the return on your investment by installing a system with a long life, then maintaining it properly.

The ongoing, recurring costs associated with operating a gated parking solution are surprisingly low given the complexity of the system. Indeed, the reason gated systems are so complex is that they are often designed to be completed automated, requiring human intervention only for the maintenance described above, refilling consumables like ticket and receipt paper, and emptying hoppers.

However, these expenses are easily mitigated by selecting a technology vendor that is trained and experienced with the installed equipment, or by switching to increasingly popular ticketless or cashless solutions. Very highly skilled vendors will dispatch their technicians to the site to perform regular maintenance and routine replacements at the same time (whenever possible) to further minimize costs to the operator.

Multi-space meters in ungated parking lots could not be more different, requiring human intervention several times per day.

Ungated lots have the same potential to need coin boxes emptied or receipt paper replenished as gated lots, however the standout expense is the multiple enforcement actions that need to be taken every day the lot is being enforced. Enforcement officers must be paid — not to mention uniforms provided or vehicle to enforce from — to patrol the lot and either write or deliver the infraction notice. Once the contravening parker receives the infraction notice, someone will need to process his or her payment, or refer the ticket to a collection’s agency — and on and on it goes.

Some parking operators have converted their stalls to a mobile app-based payment solution, which certainly addresses some of the recurring costs like consumables or cellular data network charges, however the lion’s share of the cost — the enforcement — remains just as high as ever.

Although ungated solutions are considerably less expensive to purchase, install, and maintain, they are dramatically more expensive to operate because of the labour required to enforce them. This will incentivize owners of gated solutions to extend the lives of their solutions with appropriate maintenance from a qualified vendor as a way to ultimately reduce overall costs in the long term.

Projected revenues For both publicly and privately owned parking facilities, operators must offset their expenses with revenues.

By their very nature, gated parking systems capture 100% of revenue.

Not only is this appealing in and of itself, but it eliminates some of the uncertainty inherent to estimating parking revenues.

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Gated parking systems’ chief advantage over ungated systems is their ability to be automated to varying degrees, particularly with cashless and ticketless payment systems, as discussed above. Although it is increasingly rare to see gated systems operated by cashiers, there are a few applications where we see them occasionally: • Hospitals to sell or upgrade multi-use passes • Commercial sites to vend customer loyalty program cards • Valets to provide customer service at hotels and highend residential buildings What all these locations have in common, of course, is that you can reasonably expect parking revenues to be quite high here anyway – certainly more than enough to offset the cost these services will incur. If you’re the operator of such a facility, you might consider partnering with a solution provider that can furnish these services as well.

ng rki es Pa venu e R $

ESTIMATING PARKING REVENUES FROM UNGATED PARKING SYSTEMS IS A GREAT DEAL MORE ONEROUS, HOWEVER, AS THERE ARE SEVERAL EXTERNAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER: • VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE by parkers who choose to pay for their parking sessions; on average, ungated facilities see 15 to 25% lower revenue for the same lot when it is gated, based strictly on the fact that there is no way to ensure 100% of people pay for 100% of the parking they use 100% of time • COMPLIANCE RATES depend on enforcement rates; unfortunately, as enforcement increases, so do costs • CITATION REVENUE can offset the expense of enforcement, but the degree to which it does will depend on how many infractions lead to citations being issued, how many of those citations are paid in full, and the average fine associated with citations • REVENUE DISTRIBUTION often differs from one operation to another, such as in cases where a percentage of fines revenue is paid to a contractor to pay for their services as enforcement officers or sometimes even technology providers • OVERPAYMENT at a parking meter occurs when parkers overestimate how long of a parking session they need and pay accordingly, or give themselves some comfort room to avoid the possibility of a receiving a ticket; however, as mobile payment options that let parkers “top up” an ongoing session become more popular, parking operators can rely on meter overpayment less and less • REVENUE LOSS can occur when parking meters become too full to accept further payments, however this issue is becoming less and less common as payment solutions move increasingly toward cashless options in keeping with broader marketplace trends; still, where cash payments remain the only option, regular coin box collections will be aided by parking meters that are remotely monitored for a variety of condition alerts, including coin levels For lots that are too small to ever generate enough revenue to make a gated system feasible, a low-cost parking meter alternative may well be the right solution. As well, for lots small enough that enforcement patrols can be done by someone already on staff rather than hiring specifically for that role, most of the cost of enforcement is already committed regardless.

Life expectancy A properly maintained parking equipment solution has a typical life expectancy of 10 years; when choosing a technology partner, consider if they have a program to help extend the life expectancy of your investment, thereby reducing your capital expenditure.

There are many examples in the Canadian marketplace of systems that have been extended beyond 15 years with careful maintenance and update plans, ensuring not only the integrity of the physical equipment itself, but updates that that keep the systems viable and compliant.

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Updates and certification versus forklift upgrades and replacements As mentioned above, a technology and solutions partner can mean the difference of significant savings over the expected life of a parking system. A parking access and control system is an important investment for any business, and any updates and certifications that can extend the life of the equipment needs to be investigated and analysed.

At about the 7- to 8-year mark, your partner should be starting conversations with you about your technology plan for the expected end-of-life of your system. If they have also been your maintenance and support partner, they are likely to have a better understanding of the current state of your equipment and should be making recommendations to keep your parking program up and running. Updates and certifications should always be explored as a first option, as these are almost always significantly less expensive than a forklift upgrade or complete system replacement.

Advantages of Gated Parking Solutions Despite the higher initial cost of installing gated parking solutions, they often represent significantly greater return on investment over their lifetime by saving expenses on the enforcement required for ungated solutions. Moreover, there are many opportunities to reduce the initial costs of your parking operation’s start up by fully automating the system or by designing it to be ticketless and cashless.

IT’S WORTH QUICKLY REVIEWING A FEW OF THE OTHER KEY ADVANTAGES GATED PARKING SYSTEMS HAVE OVER THEIR UNGATED COUSINS:

• Controlled access and egress slows the travelling speed within your facility, helping reduce collisions and potentially injuries at a point where drivers may not be as focussed on their surroundings

• Professional and attractive with a sophisticated parking management system

• Safer facility by limiting access, such as later in the evenings; barriers function as a natural deterrent to theft and vandalism by giving a visual clue that the facility is being actively monitored and controlled

• Guaranteed access for employees, who no longer must compete with visitors for parking

• Easier to rescind access to anyone at any time

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Melissa Tucci | Client Relations Manager Melissa’s extensive experience in a variety of roles with Precise ParkLink has given her a unique perspective on how to effectively navigate Precise ParkLink’s corporate structure to advocate on her clients’ behalf. Melissa’s success in her career with Precise ParkLink so far has been marked by thriving in fastpaced environments and going above and beyond to meet project stakeholders’ requirements. In her present role, Melissa leverages her client service skills and account management experience to act as her clients’ day-to-day point of contact. This entails playing a key role in ensuring that all client accounts are reconciled and paid in a timely manner and supporting client engagements in the areas of staff training and development, project management, implementation, and scheduling.

Before selecting your eventual technical solutions partner, make sure they have a team of experienced and factory-trained technicians who are best positioned to carry out warranty replacements and any other repairs and maintenance to keep your parking facility at the top of its game.

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HOST HOTEL RATES Single or double occupancy, taxes extra.

Downtown City View & Parliament View: $245.00 per night, CAD A 4-minute walk from the Parliament Building, this polished high-rise hotel is 8 minutes’ stroll from the Quebec Via Rail station, and a 15-minute walk from the boutiques and restaurants of Petit Champlain.

Connected to the Congress Center of Quebec, our hotel is across the street from the Old City – a UNESCO World Heritage site. We have the largest ballroom in the city and 22 meeting rooms. Enjoy the views, our restaurant, and heated outdoor pool on the rooftop.

At CABU - boire et manger, Chef Marie-Chantale Lepage prepares locally sourced and inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy a drink at our pool bar or a specialty coffee at our grab-and-go outlet. There’s also a fitness centre and a heated outdoor pool.

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Old-Quebec River View: $259.00 per night, CAD Executive Floors*: $329.00 per night, CAD single | $349.00 per night, CAD double *Includes the access to the Executive Lounge, breakfast, snacks and beverages and cash bar services

TO MAKE RESERVATIONS Book online: Book Online Reservations Call: Tél. +1 418 647-6512 Téléc. : +1 418 647-1723

BOOK ONLINE

SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE

SUNDAY | OCT 16

MONDAY | OCT 17

TUESDAY | OCT 18

WEDNESDAY | OCT 19

Trade Show Setup

Registration Open

Registration Open

Technical Tour

Registration Open

AGM

Trade Show Exhibition

Sector Round Table Meetings

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Join Sponsor Carlo Gavazzi to tour a local installation at a popular shopping complex.

Welcome Reception and Keynote

Awards Luncheon

Evening Celebration Event

Unscheduled Evening

Trade Show Exhibition Unscheduled Evening

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION RON TITE Purpose-Driven Leadership and Marketing Expert

NOW WHAT? Prioritizing Personal and Organizational Growth to Go From Recovery to Reinvention Leaders have been forced to react and respond to a dynamic environment that featured everything from a dismantled supply chain and muted virtual teams to overdue calls for equality, mental health concerns, and an economy on the brink of disaster.

Well, that was fun. Now what?

Leaders can’t just flip the switch and resume their previously scheduled path to success. And the way forward? It’s filled with unclear and competing priorities, contradictions in what customers want and expect, and a workforce that’s completely divided on why they work and where they work. How do leaders inspire, inform, and prepare their people and organizations for that?

Now what? Prioritize growth.

Yes, that means financial growth. But it also means personal growth.

Organizational growth. Systems growth. The growth of new communities, new processes, new environments, and more.

RON TITE'S BIO IS AVAILABLE ON THE CPA WEBSITE: canadianparking.ca/keynote2022/

Great challenges always create great opportunities. And this opportunity is a oncein-lifetime chance to reinvent and re-energize you, your team, and your business.

So don’t go back to where you were. Go forward to where you deserve to be.

Too challenging? Don’t worry. You’ll grow into it.

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SESSION PRESENTATIONS NON-TRADITIONAL USE OF PARKING ASSETS

TO GET SMART-PARKING, START WITH DUMB-PARKING

Gautier Caland - Sr. Director of Marketing & Innovation – Indigo Kenny McIlroy - Strategic Partnerships Manager – Indigo

Blake Laufer, Chief Parking Nerd, Mistall Insight Inc. Shannon Talbot, Manager, University of Guelph

Opening space to non-traditional uses to increase your parking yield Last Mile services, Dark Kitchens, Pop-up stores, Storage, Vertical Farms, Soft Mobility, Drive-in Events, TV Shooting: parking facilities can welcome a lot of proximity services and provide the local communities with more than just a parking space. Join us to learn more on these on-going operations in Canada and better appreciate how non-traditional uses can increase any parking facility profitability.

Everyone is talking about “Smart Parking” these days while many parking operations are still trying to get the basics down – things like counting, audit, revenue control, budgeting, annual work planning and other foundational items common to most parking operations.

In line with Indigo Group’s purpose to open space for peaceful city motion, non-traditional use of parking assets and soft mobility will be presented.

Are you “data rich but information poor”? Do you feel reactive instead of proactive?

This session provides guidance on back-to-basics metrics with concrete examples from real parking operations.

Join us to learn how taking a break to make sure you’ve mastered the basics will pay dividends in staff and financial resources for years to come.

HAMILTON’S PARKING MASTER PLAN – A NEW VISION FOR PARKING IN THE CITY Amanda McIlveen, Manager, Parking Operations & New Initiatives, City of Hamilton The City of Hamilton has undergone an economic revival with an influx of new residents and businesses over the last decade, signaling a need for a re-visioning of the parking system and how it supports economic development and sustainability across the city through the creation of a Parking Master Plan. Land use downtown has evolved towards higher density developments while maintaining and restoring many of the heritage structures that make Hamilton unique.

In many cases, these new developments have replaced existing surface parking lots which in turn has impacted parking supply and demand over a short time. At the same time, outlying communities in Waterdown, Dundas, Ancaster, Binbrook, and Stoney Creek have expanded steadily, and, in some cases, are experiencing increased parking pressures.

The overarching vision for parking in the city recognizes that parking is a valuable resource tool that heavily influences transportation mode choice, residential development, and economic development. Considering needs across the entire City, the primary objective of the PMP was to create a framework of 24 high-level recommendations inclusive of financial sustainability, supporting economic development, assisting in the city's environmental sustainability goals, and planning for an uncertain future.

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SESSION PRESENTATIONS UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCARBOROUGH CAMPUS – THE FIRST LARGE MASS TIMBER MULTI-LEVEL PARKADE Darren Wint, Associate, RJC Engineers, Project Architect The design, construction and operational challenges related to Canada's First Large Mass Timber parkade will be presented.

THE FUTURE IS FLEXIBLE: THE EMERGENCE OF THE HYBRID PARKER AND ITS IMPACT ON PARKING Michael Back, Founder & CEO, HONK Since the beginning of the pandemic, parking patterns across North America have changed and evolved. Businesses and schools shifted towards a hybrid model – where the workforce, students, and faculty were onsite only a few days a week, or less. This shift occurred on a massive, unprecedented scale. And it looks like this ‘new normal’ is here to stay. A survey conducted by Edelman Data X Intelligence reports that 73% of employees want flexible remote work to continue post pandemic. Not surprisingly, this hybrid working model has had a chain reaction on many aspects of life, one of which is parking.

In a pre-COVID world, this large demographic fit nicely into the standard monthly and semester parking. But a drastic behavioural shift resulted in a gap for this new type of parker: Their parking needs were no longer monthly, yet not quite daily either. Out of this void came a new type of parking, one that met the needs of the hybrid parker – the flexible parking pass.

This session will examine case studies that show how parking operators – hailing from private operations to campus lots – have implemented flexible parking options (in the form of a flex pass) to meet the needs of the hybrid parker. The case studies will break down how these flexible parking solutions set operators apart from the competition, increased parkership and drive-up revenue. Attendees will learn about the in’s & outs of flexible parking: the various options available, and how they can be set up and configured by the operator to suit their unique needs. The case studies will show the many benefits of the flexible parking options to both the end user and the parking operator. Attendees will leave the session with a full understanding of how the redemption & usage data can be analyzed – creating a “gold mine” of reporting capabilities to better understand parking patterns to drive-up revenue.

Main Learning Objectives from the Session: • Identify new parking patterns and trends that emerged from the pandemic.

• Recognize what main attributes of flexible parking options: from configuration to use cases • Analyze data to understand parking usage & understand how to turn it into financial gain.

DEVELOPING AN RFP – THE HIGH COST OF LOW BID: FIND THE BEST VALUE EVERY TIME John Oglesby, CEO, Parking Whisperer This presentation will bring the audience into the production, providing them the tools to recognize the true value proposition from each bidder as they move through the Request for Proposal (RFP).

We will review how to determine the true scope of work, select principal deliverables, and uncover the pitfalls of focusing too closely on the perceived cost or cost savings, and unlocking the actual costs of each KPI to understand the value and final expenses for each product or service.

We will explore the key performance indicators (KPI) that matter for the proper selection of a parking operator (or to be an in-house operation), the technology of choice, the features and benefits needed, the method of operation, level of technology, as well as how best to future-proof your parking operation.

This interactive session will examine how to determine the RFP process’ goals, staffing requirements; insurance needs, operator’s options and current market presence, technology’ pricing options, and more.

The session will provide opportunities for each audience member to ask questions, share concerns, and receive resources to use as they travel the path for putting their location parking management out to bid, or select new equipment, research other methods of operations, programs and resources that are available.

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SESSION PRESENTATIONS BUILDING A FUTURE-PROOF NATIONWIDE EV CHARGING STATION STRATEGY: A VENDORAGNOSTIC APPROACH Maxime Charron, President & Founder, LeadingAhead Energy The EV charging industry has been flooded by branded messages serving private interests’ instead of hosts and users. As the electric vehicle market is rapidly growing, numerous new technologies are becoming available. It is important to provide guidance to the potential buyer to help them purchase the right EV charging equipment and have a successful deployment.

The presentation will be divided into 6 key areas: • Building a Comprehensive EV Strategy • Deploying EV Charging Infrastructure Across Multiple Locations • Future-Proofing Every EV Charging Site • Different EV Charging Solutions for Multiple Scenarios • Return on Investment and EV Charging Infrastructure • How To Roll Out EV Charging Successfully Across Multiple Locations As we’ve learned with multiple past projects, managing, and planning for one location versus a nationwide roll out of EV chargers across twenty or a hundred sites cannot be accomplished using the same strategy. We will share a step-by-step process to ensure a smooth deployment within a realistic government and/or corporate timeframe.

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PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS 101 FOR PARKING MANAGERS: PREDICTING DYNAMIC PRICING Are you still guessing on how to price your parking spaces?

Sylvia Martinez-Mullally, Parking Consultant/Distribution, Rockstar Parking Technology Group Although the parking and mobility industry has gone digital many organizations are still guessing when it comes to making decisions. There is an art to raising parking prices just enough to recoup losses or relieve traffic congestion. All the while still encouraging folks to visit and shop in a vibrant downtown business district.

These decisions not only affect drivers but our economic and socio-economic goals. As parking operators, we know data. Our systems continually stream transactional, enforcement, camera and paid occupancy data but are we using this data to create better pricing strategies like dynamic pricing?

Topics Include: • Thinking with a predictive mindset • Understand the basics of predictive terms and techniques • Know how to think critically about variables • Going over how you can use these steps to determine dynamic pricing • Understand how to interpret results Attendees will get a general introduction to predictive analytics, be familiar with AI and ML standard terms, understand the concept of creating predictions with historical data, and be up to date with some of today’s emerging technologies and how they can be used in their own operations.

TOWARD A BETTER SHARING OF PUBLIC SPACE AND IMPROVED MOBILITY THROUGH PARKING MANAGEMENT Mathieu Seguin, Senior Advisor – Partner & Institutional Relations, Agence de mobilité durable In addition to pursuing the management and innovative development of on street and offstreet parking throughout the City of Montreal, the Agence de mobilité durable (Sustainable Mobility Agency), formerly Stationnement de Montréal, has taken over the parking enforcement from the Montreal Police Department, and has seen its mission broaden, which now includes facilitating the sharing of public space and promoting new forms of mobility.

Through our presentation, we will present the organization's unique mission and vision, its planning process, what we want to accomplish over the next 10 years, as well as the Agency’s 5 priority projects.

Innovating for more sustainable mobility by managing curb and offstreet parking, monitoring Montreal's public space and providing better information to the community, the Agency carried out its first strategic organizational planning exercise.

This 10-year plan revolves around the challenges of sustainable mobility. A new era of parking and urban mobility management is looming on the horizon!

More presentations will be announced.

STAY UP TO DATE, VISIT: canadianparking.ca/quebec2022

Explore Quebec City

Quebec City was founded in 1608 Old Quebec is surrounded by fortified city walls that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, making this one of my most historic Quebec City facts.

Quebec is a French speaking province French is the official language of this province.

Approximately 80 % of the residents speak French as their native language and close to 95% of “Quebecers” speak French.

If you hear the term “Francophone” it refers to someone who speaks French as their native language.

It is the oldest French speaking place in North America. However, English is spoken by most residents as well. Most locals and businesses offer service in English.

Quebec produces a lot of maple syrup Canada produces about 70% of the world’s pure maple syrup. Out of that 70% about 90% is from the province of Quebec.

Our Host Hotel – The Hilton Quebec This beautiful hotel has undergone a complete renovation and and is located at the gates to the Old City. Explore all that the city offers, including shops, restaurants and the Chateau Frontenac, which holds the Guinness World Record for the most photographed hotel in the world.

Quebec isn’t just French… there are many Irish people here too!

There is actually a large Irish community in Quebec.

During the 17th century, Irish inhabitants of France were sent to Quebec to help populate the area. Historians estimate that about 40% of the population in Quebec is of Irish descent.

Although Paris is well known for its Notre-Dame Cathedral, there is also the CathedralBasilica of NotreDame de Quebec

The Quebec Winter Carnival Festival known as “Carnaval” is the largest winter festival in the world In 2006 one million people attended this festival which gave it this distinction.

Quebec City has close to 30 sets of stairs!

You may run out of breath just climbing up and down the cobblestone streets.

Be prepared and bring comfortable walking shoes.

The first commercial brewery in Canada was started in Quebec City by Jean Talon in 1668

The name stands for “Our Lady of Quebec City”. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese that resides here is the oldest north of Spanish colonies in New Mexico and Florida. It is a National Historic Site of Canada and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Quebec.

We are heading back to Quebec City This is the second time the Canadian Parking Association welcomes delegates to this worldclass city. 2009 was the last Conference and Trade Show in Quebec City.

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES SUPPORT CANADA! Through the generosity of CPA sponsors, the CPA has delivered the top Industry event in North America over the years. It is with this support that we can continue to build the best event possible and attract a diverse delegation.

Promote your business as a leader in the parking and mobility industries in Canada by pledging a sponsorship for the 2022 Conference & Trade Show. Your support will enable us to raise the bar and will put your company out front leading up to, and during the event.

All sponsors will receive the following promotions:

FEATURING

• Promotion on CPA Social Media and e-Newsletters

Spotlight Stage and Networking Lounge

• Company logo on the Conference website, including hyperlink

Delegates will assemble in this area to learn and network during the trade show. A special stage and seating area will be created where delegates will assemble to learn and network during the trade show. Brand the Vendor Spotlight Stage and lounge and take the stage at the start of each trade show session to share your message.

• Inclusion on event signage • Acknowledgement at all Plenary events • Additional benefits as detailed on certain sponsorship items (as listed)

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Quantity 1................................................................$5,000

Sponsorship Opportunities

Welcome Reception

Refillable Water Bottles / Coffee Mugs

Be the official Welcome Sponsor at the opening event.

The doors will open to a welcome reception and entertainment. Food & Beverage is provided.

(sponsor supplied)

Quantity 1................................................................. $7,500

Promote health and safety with personal branded water bottles or coffee mugs to be issued to individuals as part of the delegate kit.

Water Bottles | Quantity 1....................................... $3,000

Keynote Speaker

Coffee Mugs | Quantity 1........................................ $3,000

Ron Tite, Purpose-Driven Leadership & Marketing Expert Quantity 1................................................................. $5,000

Delegate Kits Quantity 1 ................................................................ $5,000

Awards Luncheon

Branded/Promo Gift (sponsor supplied)

Your sponsorship will allow the industry award recipients a chance to shine in the spotlight and be acknowledged for their significant contributions.

Add a branded token supplied by you and include a onepage information flyer to the delegate kits.

Quantity 1................................................................. $7,500

Quantity 1................................................................. $1,500

Advertising Insert (sponsor supplied)

Tuesday Trade Show Luncheon Individual.................................................................. $3,000

Refreshment Breaks Quantity 1................................................................. $1,500 All breaks ................................................................. $4,000

Take advantage of placing your advertising materials in each of the Delegate Kits (Pre-approval of materials is required.)

Exhibiting Companies.............................................. $1,000 Non-Exhibiting Companies ..................................... $2,000

Sponsorship Pledges Level A...................................................................... $1,500 Level B....................................................................... $1,000

ONLINE FORM https://bit.ly/CPA-Quebec-Sponsor

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES P A R K E R 2022 | S U M M E R I S S U E

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THE PARKING METER INDUSTRY

by Shreeras Shetty

New Product Launches to Create Awareness About Smart Cities Parking meters are gaining immense traction in various countries across the globe, owing to the significant surge in traffic congestion by vehicles and surging need for parking meters to manage parking spaces.

There has been an expeditious growth in the number of vehicles across the globe, which further drives the demand for parking meters in the coming years.

Parking meters are extensively installed in high traffic, commercial, and healthcare places including the hospitals, government institutions, malls & stadium, public parks, and others. Thus, with the COVID-19 restrictions eased-off, more people around the globe are tending to attend various functions, concerts, malls, stadiums, and others. This is expected to drive the demand for parking meters in the coming years.

Moreover, public infrastructures such as libraries, tourist attraction places, transit stations, civic buildings, universities, and others generate an immense parking demand. Hence, parking meter comes out as an effective solution towards reducing the traffic and managing parking spaces. In addition, municipalities are extensively using parking meters particularly for mobility management policies and on-street parking

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policy regarding the traffic. Persistent technological advancements in parking meters, introduction of creative products, and integration with innovative technologies are expected to provide lucrative opportunities for the growth of the global parking meter market.

Growing prevalence of IoT-based technology that provides solutions while looking for a parking space is remarkably augmenting the installation of pioneering and effective parking management solutions. Further, these factors are expected to provide tremendous opportunities for the growth of the global parking meter market in the upcoming years. According to a report published

by Allied Market Research, the global parking meter market is expected to grow expeditiously in the coming years.

Numerous players in the market are devising innovative strategies to add supplementary features in the parking meters, while the others are launching completely new and progressive product to cater to demand of people. For instance, Gogoro Inc., a dominant global technology player in battery swapping ecosystems, collaborated with Shengming Technology, a Taiwan-based technical development and customer enablement company, to launch a smart parking meter. They also launched a new urban battery initiative that utilizes the Gogoro-powered smart parking meters. They together prolong the battery lifetime value and facilitate smart city infrastructure deployment at the same time. This smart parking meter allows cities to enjoy smart city technologies for their respective parking locations that connect wirelessly and are way off the power grid.

The new smart parking meter is being extensively deployed in New Taipei City Taiwan, and hence it became operational in early 2022.

About 6,000 additional smart parking meters are expected to roll out across Taiwan by the end of 2022. Thus, co-developed by Gogoro and Shengming Technology, the smart parking meter initiates a new revolution of modern urban management for cities to develop into smart cities and be more connected without the need of timeconsuming and extortionate electricity grid construction.

The trend of launching breakthrough parking meters continues to gain massive momentum among prominent players and countries across the globe. For instance, Hong Kong has launched its first batch of newly installed sensor-based smart parking meters. Smart parking meter is an instrumental part of the Hong Kong Transport Department’s smart mobility initiatives. These smart parking meters are equipped with sensors that make use of millimetre wave radar to determine which of the parking spaces on the roadside are occupied.

The sensors will not collect any sort of details of vehicle types or personal information, and hence will only detect the occupancy of parking spaces. These parking meters are significantly reducing the amount of circulating traffic and, also the total time required to locate free parking spaces.

The real-time information provided by the smart parking meters will be propagated via three channels namely "HKeMeter", the mobile app: "HKeMobility", the web version, and data.gov.hk, the public sector information portal. Thus, real-time information passing can appreciably help motorists to easily find a vacant parking space.

These new parking meters in Hong Kong can support a number of payment systems, be it contactless credit cards like UnionPay QuickPass, Visa payWave, and MasterCard Contactless, or faster payment systems like AlipayHK, Union QR, and WeChat Pay. They also support smart card Octopus.

In addition, these parking meters seamlessly support remote and on-site payment of parking tickets through its mobile app HKeMeter, which is available on both Play Store and App Store. The Hong Kong’s Transport Department mentioned that the replacement of conventional parking meter with smart parking meter will be done in phases, and hence most of it will be done by the first half of 2022.

The department envisions to install 12,000 smart parking meters.

Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Parking Meter Industry at Allied Market Research.

AUTHOR BIO Shreeras Shetty is currently working in the content writing industry and has a Bachelor’s degree in management studies specializing in marketing. He is passionate about writing and is gaining a significant experience in the Market Research Industry. Outside the office, Shreeras is actively engaged in recreational activities like playing football, trekking, travelling, and athletics. n

OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE

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TOM ARNOLD SCHOLARSHIP IN PARKING ADVANCEMENT BIOGRAPHY My name is Pavly Yacoub, and I am currently a third year Civil Engineering student at Lassonde School of Engineering. I am very passionate about innovation and sustainable structures, as well as the environmental issues in this field. Outside of academics, I enjoy camping, painting, and playing sports. I also have experience working in the transportation infrastructure industry with a focus on asphalt quality and production. My goals are to expand my skillset, gain more experience in transportation engineering and to promote green cities.

Dear Canadian Parking Association, I am sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Tom Arnold Scholarship in Parking Advancement. I was very happy to learn that I was a recipient of the scholarship, and I would like to thank you for your generous and rewarding financial support towards my higher education.

This scholarship has also allowed me to gain more knowledge about the parking industry in Canada and how my studies play a big role in improving it for a better future.

Thank you for all your support. Pavly Yacoub

How do my studies impact the Canadian Parking industry?

Since beginning my journey in this field at Lassonde, my dedication to the work and motivation to grow have driven me to exceptional projects and experiences. From in-class projects to out-of-class activities, I have met many people who taught me numerous skills and provided me with the required conditions to grow and learn. As Civil Engineering students at York University, we get exposed to many different courses covering all aspects of the field, including structural analysis and design, sanitary and environmental engineering, civil engineering computational methods, transportation planning and evaluation, engineering management and economics, and many other courses. All these courses are either directly or indirectly related to the parking industry; therefore, I strongly believe my studies have a beneficial impact on the Canadian Parking Industry.

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A huge part of third year courses is with regards to transportation engineering which plays a big role in the parking industry.

Understanding future transportation trends such as traffic flow, road networking, vehicle types, and even land use are all important factors when collecting data about parking supply and demand. In addition, in one of the transportation courses, we discussed the intelligent transportation system and how it will impact our society and engineering. Since it is clear that Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAV) will change the future of the automotive industry, understanding the changes and the benefits they could bring can help us collect more effective data and understand how parking spaces are being used. One of the major benefits of CAV is more efficient parking. With the help of the data network collected, driverless cars can easily drop off

passengers and find parking spaces on their own. This will increase motorist convenience, reduce total parking costs and spaces, and reduce traffic congestion while searching for a parking space. I believe with the knowledge discussed in my transportation engineering courses about future traffic trends and the automotive industry, we can find multiple innovative design solutions that benefit the Canadian Parking industry’s future.

Moreover, in a future where people will keep migrating to urban cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary, land parking spaces will keep filling up very fast and we will soon require more creative feasible designs to aid the parking industry. In my studies, courses about geotechnical and structural engineering can be applied to propose more creative, vertical parking systems, whether above or underground.

EXAMPLES OF 1 ABOVE-GROUND 2 AND UNDERGROUND PARKING SYSTEMS Understanding the soil mechanics and how it reacts to load and stress helps engineers design foundations and underground parking structures when needed. Similarly, by analyzing structures, engineers can find the designed (factored) loads needed to be considered in the design processes of structures and buildings.

Additionally, my studies indirectly impact the Canadian Parking industry in many different ways. Besides all the technical courses, my studies also focus on the business and management sectors in engineering. With many courses covering management and economics related to engineering projects, as well as sustainable development framework, my studies can ensure that future parking systems’ designs are structurally, environmentally, and financially sustainable.

As cloud becomes a mainstay for businesses, there’s never been a better time to learn the fundamentals, especially if you’re a technologist looking to stay competitive in the IT industry. n

REFERENCES 1. Gg Lifterstech: Rotary (Carousel) Parking System (PCX12D). GG Lifterstech | ROTARY (Carousel) PARKING SYSTEM (PCX12D). (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2022, from https://www.gglifterstech.com/en/Product/rotary-carousel-parking-systempcx12d-262

2. PLC control car parking system garage parking system underground parking garage design. QINGDAO SHITAI MAOYUAN TRADING CO.,LTD. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2022, from http://www.my-autoparking.com/sale-8228243-plc-control-carparking-system-garage- parking-system-underground-parking-garage-design.html

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PRESS RELEASE eleven-x Parking Device Wins IoT Sensor Product of the Year from 2022 IoT Breakthrough Awards Program Prestigious honor recognizes world’s best Internet-of-Things (IoT) companies and products driving digital transformation

WATERLOO, Ontario, – eleven-x, a global leader providing complete, high-performance, wireless IoT and Smart City solutions, today announced that its SPS-X smart parking sensor received IoT Breakthrough Awards’ “IoT Sensor Product of the Year.” The annual award, now in its sixth year, is presented by IoT Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global Internet-of-Things (IoT) market today.

The SPS-X smart parking sensor, which incorporates magnetic sensing, radar, Bluetooth and AI, is the drivingforce behind eleven-x’s innovative eXactpark smart parking solution that is helping expedite the journey to a frictionless parking experience. The wireless smart parking sensor is an innovative patent-pending LoRaWAN®-based device that detects stall occupancy status and monitors space usage in real-time.

The SPS-X enables advanced analytics of key parking metrics, including effective turnover, pattern analysis, spatial framework and analysis, patterns of occupancy/use, time, peak use and average to peak occupancy, pinch points, as well as hot spot indicators and more.

“We set out to provide the most innovative parking sensor and solution available today and the 2022 IoT Breakthrough Award is a fantastic validation of our success,” said Dan Mathers, CEO & Co-Founder of eleven-x. “Parking has wide-ranging impact on budgets, land use and community experience, which are often key pain points for many cities and organizations. Our eXactpark solution, powered by our SPS-X sensor, takes the guesswork out of knowing how parking assets are being used and helps organizations deliver better programs and increase revenues while reducing operational costs.”

The mission of the IoT Breakthrough Awards program is to recognize the innovators, leaders, and visionaries from around the globe in a range of IoT categories, including Industrial and Enterprise IoT, Smart City technology, Connected Home and Home Automation, Connected Car, and many more. This year’s program attracted more than 3,850 nominations from companies all over the world.

“Currently, most parking organizations only have insight into paid occupancy but that doesn’t provide a clear picture of how assets are actually being used and the parking industry needs a sensor-based stall-based occupancy monitoring solution that can deliver in a variety of scenarios,“ said James Johnson, managing director at IoT Breakthrough. “elevenx’s SPS-X sensor addresses this need head-on, and we are pleased to name the Company as a 2022 IoT Breakthrough Award winner for providing market-leading accuracy, realtime data and actionable insights into parking usage.”

Unique aspects of the SPS-X sensor include: • Innovative design that filters out negative influencers like metal and electromagnetic interference enabling pinpoint accuracy • Multiple instillation capabilities including indoor, outdoor, above or in-ground, ensuring use through the harshest environmental conditions • Specialized lithium battery life for ultra-long use and exceptional performance • Ironclad data security delivered via ultra-secure, carriergrade IoT wireless connectivity • Easy deployment and integration with standalone dashboard or external platforms, like payment apps For more information on eleven-x’s SPS-X sensor and eXactpark solution please visit exactpark.com.

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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

The Examination

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 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.

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.

Former CCPFM Graduates

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.

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.

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

Training Course Registration & Information canadianparking.ca/pmc/

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PARKING RFP

By Cynthia Bruce

Whether you are an experienced procurement specialist or you simply have a small lot you want to start generating revenue with, getting the most out of your interactions with a parking technology supplier starts with asking the right questions.

Making sure that you have enough information to even ask those questions in the first place often means putting out a Request for Information (RFI) and letting the responses guide how you will subsequently write a Request for Proposals (RFP). For smaller jobs or where an existing relationship is being leveraged, you may get all the information you need from a Request for Quotations (RFQ).

I will start by briefly summarizing the differences between these types of documents, so you know which is best for you before going on to discuss what to look for in the responses you receive from proponents.

WHICH RFX IS RIGHT FOR YOU? RFIs, RFPs, RFQs (and all their ilk) all serve different purposes and become progressively more specific, so which you choose will depend on the information you have and the information you still need.

Questions to consider before making a decision might include some of the following: • Do you have any existing parking equipment and/or technology? Does it need to be replaced, or are you adding on to your existing solution?

• Are you working with an existing vendor?

• Are you required to go through a formal RFP process?

• Are you unsure of your needs and therefore have general questions?

• Are you asking specific questions because you know exactly what you want?

How you answer these questions will determine how your team seeks out a parking operations contractor.

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■ REQUEST FOR INFORMATION When you are ready to find a contractor to install and possibly manage parking equipment in your lot, do you know what the proposals you receive back will contain? Many who are new to procurement generally and parking, often don’t have enough information to know what technology exists, who the major players are, or what services they should be looking for.

Issuing an RFI is your invitation to those operating in the parking market to describe in detail what services they have available to meet the needs you identified in your document, and by asking open-ended questions, you give respondents the freedom to generate tailored solutions that truly target your needs and goals, based on their capabilities. From the respondents’ perspective, it is also their opportunity to distinguish themselves from the competition, and to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their offering and/or area(s) of specialization. The intent of the RFI is typically to gain an understanding of what the market can offer at any given time.

RFIs generally do not result in a contract being awarded based solely on that process. Rather, the issuing company or organization will use the information they obtained through the RFI process to define more clearly what they would like to see in their parking facilities, usually with much more specific requirements.

For respondents that distinguished themselves with innovative solutions, the specifications they provide can be used as the basis for the technical and service parameters given in a subsequent RFP.

■ REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Once you have an idea of what you are looking for from respondents, you can issue an RFP. As described elsewhere, an RFP is based on some knowledge of the marketplace in question, and with a clear understanding of your objectives, needs, and the issues involved, you are able to ask some specific questions to give proponents the opportunity to describe exactly how their solution best addresses those objectives and needs, and resolves those issues.

The request should still be open-ended enough for proponents to offer unique solutions you may not have considered, but it should provide enough detail, including broader business goals, for proponents to understand the context of your request and tailor a solution accordingly. Typically, the onus is placed on the proponent to provide clear and concise information when suggesting a solution that deviates from the specifications provided in the RFP.

■ REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN PROPOSALS Regardless of the document type you decide is the most appropriate for your purposes, you next must consider what to ask for. Getting the most out of your supplier’s offerings ensures you get the most out of your investment.

When an organization of any size knows exactly what they wish to procure, they often opt for the RFQ route. This is a very stringent process, where a specific item or specific requirements are clearly stated, usually paired with a pricing form the issuing organization wishes to have completed and returned. Turnaround times on RFQ are usually around 2 weeks, and response packages don’t usually require any supporting documentation.

Anyone can bolt a meter to a concrete pad and have it accept quarters to pay for a parking session, however gone are the days of feeding “dumb” meters (i.e., not connected “smart” meters). Modern systems are a great deal more sophisticated — and if deployed effectively, profitable as well — allowing you to control access and manage your resource more efficiently.

■ DIRECT QUOTES

Here are several things to look for in the proposals you receive:

A small, privately owned lot is not likely to issue an RFP — they don’t typically have the resources to undertake such an involved process.

Instead, it is much more likely they will have had a meeting with a sales representative who will have walked them through the basics of a proposed solution. At this point, the interested party might ask the sales rep to generate a formal quotation based on their conversation.

■ PAYMENT SECURITY

Likewise, an organization that already has a relationship with a parking operator may skip the longer procurement process of an RFP and instead request a quotation directly. This might be because a service is being added on to the existing agreement, or the vendor may have been the winning proponent in an earlier request for prequalification (this is a common occurrence with consortium purchasers).

The payment types you want your PARCS system to accept will be determined, at least in part, by user demographics and throughput considerations (coins at exit are extremely rare, as contactless payment methods have emerged as the payment type of choice). Different payment types also have different security requirements (e.g., secure coin and bank note vaults, EMV certification for card payments).

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Some demographics often prefer the familiarity of bills and coins to pay for parking. It is quite common, therefore, to find pay stations at hospitals, for example, still accepting cash even while the marketplace in general is moving away from it.

Modern parking meters and pay stations feature configurable coin hoppers and sometimes even bill recyclers so that they can dispense change with the cash others have inserted, all of which reduces the number of collection and replenishment activities needed.

Still, when the time comes for a worker to perform a collection, the process must include not only mechanical or electronic locks on the canisters, but they should be different from the locks to open the station’s housing; this ensures that collections personnel cannot access the funds in the vaults. Vaults must be returned to a secure counting facility to be opened, have the contents verified, counted, accounted for, and deposited.

As an additional verification method, consider selecting a provider whose stations automatically generate electronic reports — transmitted directly to the counting facility — and physical receipts — produced by the station and submitted with the canister — that show a total amount but break it down by denomination as well. This level of verification not only makes it more difficult to alter deposit records but allows internal and external auditors to quickly identify any discrepancies.

Conversely, tech savvy customers typically prefer to pay for everything, including parking, with some form of electronic payment; therefore, anything geared toward them, like shopping malls or downtown residential complexes, should always offer cashless options. These payment types require an altogether different approach to security, and these measures are becoming increasingly relevant as these payment options become more readily available.

Robust accounting and auditing mechanisms are just as important to track electronic payments as physical payments. However, the focus on technology in these solutions means that network security, data integrity, and customer privacy take centre stage.

Your vendor’s PCI compliance is non-negotiable.

The reporting, auditing, and security requirements this industry standard imposes on organizations processing customer payments on your behalf become more stringent as the number of

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transactions they process rises. Look for Level 1 PCI compliance to find an experienced vendor that safeguards your funds and has the most stringent procedures required in the world of financial processing.

EMV-certified payment solutions go another step further in terms of security, leveraging the microchips embedded in the cards and PIN verification. Most payment cards now also leverage NFC technology to allow you to tap your card on a payment terminal’s EMV reader to make a payment. Not only does this represent the latest and most secure payment technology on the market, but given the recent pandemic, you should expect to see your customers demand this “touchless” form of payment.

■ SMART AND CONNECTED EQUIPMENT As we all know, a “smart” device is one that can connect with other devices. In the context of parking equipment, this is achieved either wirelessly with an imbedded SIM card or via Wi-Fi, or is hardwired and physically plugged into a LAN connection.

This connectivity lets you integrate your equipment with sophisticated central management systems that can be further augmented with complementary layered cloud-based programs that offer you and your customers a number of convenient features.

For example: • mobile payment options (for both gated and ungated parking lots) • robust reporting, business intelligence, and analytics dashboard • online and offline validations can be used as part of broader marketing campaigns to attract more business • reservations program (without the use of 3rd party vendors, if desired) where parking sessions can be reserved, initiated, or updated remotely • generation of barcodes and QR codes to offer discounted or specialty parking • Bluetooth low energy and/or barcode-based permits for smart devices (eliminating the need for separate RFID cards/fobs) • loyalty program • permit management and administration, allowing for self-registration by parkers, recurring monthly/annual billings, and automated waitlisting

■ LIVE CENTRAL MONITORING Live central monitoring is also facilitated by parking equipment’s network connectivity, but I mention it separately here because it has broad and important implications.

Monitoring the health of your parking equipment can be a costly and time-consuming endeavour. For example, many smaller, privately owned lots generate nowhere near enough revenue to make hiring maintenance or customer service personnel feasible; others may have several lots that are widely distributed, making it costly to employ someone to spend their day driving to each site to make sure each meter is operational; and still others may employ several people to monitor and maintain equipment, but who are often left with little to do apart from change the occasional roll of ticket paper on any given day.

However, a service of this type presents several opportunities to make your parking operation more efficient and cost-effective. Vendors that have a great deal of experience with the equipment they offer and that have deployed the equipment in many locations can offer a centralized team of specialized staff to monitor many clients’ many systems simultaneously, meaning you no longer need to employ full-time staff for this function. What’s more, they can provide a customer service element to receive reports of vandalized or otherwise physically damaged equipment from users via phone or email, and a centre like this can be staffed 24/7 to provide full coverage without your having to hire someone for an overnight shift, backups for breaks and holidays, or anything else of the sort. The economy of scale a firm can offer with this type of service is an important consideration for many operators and owners of various sizes.

Another cost savings comes in the form of smaller maintenance windows and lower servicing costs. Pay stations and parking meters don’t often experience system issues, however many of the ones that do occur can be detected and then cleared remotely — without a technician having to visit the site simply to restart a machine.

And on those even rarer moments still when a technician’s site visit is required to correct an issue, remote monitoring can be leveraged once again to schedule upcoming activities; for example, a monitoring agent would be able to see whether a coin collection or ticket paper replenishment and close to being needed and simply adding those tasks to the work order to be completed at the same time and saving a second trip, or by verifying the GPS location of service vehicles and dispatching the closest technician.

Proponents responding to your RFP that recommend this service will often be priced higher than their competition, however this capability offers much greater value immediately, and over the long term by saving on staffing costs elsewhere, are ultimately more cost-effective. This is a clear case of allowing the technology to manage the parking operation, and reallocating personnel to roles and positions where they add more value to your overall operation and budget.

■ ONGOING MAINTENANCE Regardless of where your vendor is located, it is important they have a local facility close to your site where they will maintain an inventory of replacement parts and consumables for your entire solution. You may also find it is an important consideration for you that your vendor has other clients in the area so that your sites are easily and seamlessly included in their existing maintenance and servicing rounds and, already have the components for your solution in stock and available for immediate deployment.

If your vendor will be performing warranty maintenance on your equipment — and it only makes sense that they would — it is important you ask for some kind of evidence of factory training. This will ensure the warranty remains valid and will extend the life of your equipment.

A vendor with a great deal of experience in your area will also be able to leverage economies of scale to maintain a fleet of service vehicles equipped with the most used parts so that technicians can resolve most issues on their first visit to the site. It will be particularly important for large and complex systems, like those of hospitals and airports, that service response times be brought down to an absolute minimum, and so to best serve your parking facility, consider vendors that have GPS-tracked vehicles so that the nearest technician always addresses your issues.

■ TURNKEY SOLUTIONS In the end, regardless of the size of your parking operation, the best service and greatest value will come from vendors that are able to propose fully turnkey solutions that includes both equipment and management, tailored to your exact needs.

By offering all parts of the solution themselves, turnkey suppliers can cut down on administrative duplications that reduce efficiency, maintenance is performed by the same teams that installed the equipment, solutions are designed based on practical experience with the equipment, and contract negotiations are made simpler because there are no subcontractors to consider. Further, even if you do not require a fully managed service, the real-life experience turnkey providers can give you as it relates to your parking operation will be priceless.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cynthia Bruce Senior Proposal Writer, Precise ParkLink Inc. Cynthia began her career in the parking industry when she joined Precise ParkLink in 2015. She is responsible for discerning Precise ParkLink’s clients’ needs and mobilizing their development and implementation teams to meet them.

Leveraging her education in business management at Humber College, she has continued to stay ahead of every opportunity in her career. As a professional proposal writer, Cynthia upholds her values of integrity and accountability. As a mentor to her staff, she is approachable and sincere.

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Parking, Mobility & Transportation Products & Services Directory The CPA provide an opportunity for suppliers, manufacturers, private operators, and consultants to expand their reach into the Canadian Parking, Mobility and Transportation related markets.

directory.canadianparking.ca

Gain Exposure to the Canadian Marketplace LIST WITH US! Don’t miss an opportunity to promote your business to the parking, mobility and transportation industries by listing your products and services in the CPA Products & Services directory. This opportunity is open to companies in Canada, and international-based equipment and service providers.

Members of the Canadian Parking Association receive preferred pricing.

For details about the Directory, contact Brenda at brenda@canadianparking.ca

We are dedicated to providing our clients with innovative parking solutions through cutting-edge hardware and the most comprehensive and flexible software in the industry.

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