Parking

2025 Parking Permits - Important Changes

2025 parking permits for downtown City surface parking lots and the parkade are available for purchase.

The purchase of annual and monthly permits will be available online only via the HotSpot parking app.

The Hotspot app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. To set up your account, visit the HotSpot website at htsp.ca.
More information can be found below.

2025 Parking Permit Information

- Purchase of annual and monthly permits will be available online only via the HotSpot parking app.
- Payment will be accepted by HotSpot supported payment methods only.
- UPDATE: Each user account is limited to three permit per lot (either annual or monthly).
- Most hang tags for permits purchased online are available for pick up at City Hall, with the exception of the parkade. Hang tags for parkade permits must be picked up at City of Vernon Bylaw Compliance Office at 3005 33 Street. All permits will be available on the next business day following purchase.
- Hang tags must be clearly displayed in the vehicle.
- Hotspot transaction fee applies: $2 per monthly permit, or $16 per annual permit.
Customers are encouraged to become familiar with HotSpot in advance of permit sales by installing the app and creating a HotSpot account.

The Hotspot app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. To set up your account, visit the HotSpot website at htsp.ca.
- Annual permits (12 months) will be available for purchase on January 1, 2025
- Monthly permits will be available for purchase on the first day of each month, with the exception of January 2025, when they will be available on January 4, 2025.
Annual Permits are available for the following locations:
- Railway Lot
- 33 Ave Lot
- 29 St Lot
- 27 A Ave Lot
- Parkade
- College Way Lot
Monthly permits for any month in 2025 will be available for purchase based on the remaining inventory after the annual sales. Monthly permits will be available for purchase on the first day of every month.

Due to upcoming changes in use, annual permits are not available for the 31 Ave Lot for 2025.

1. Why is the City making this change?
  Answer: The City of Vernon is transitioning to the HotSpot parking app for annual and monthly permit purchases to streamline and modernize the parking permit process. The app provides a convenient, contactless way to purchase and manage parking permits online, eliminating the need for in-person transactions for initial purchases.
2. How many permits can I purchase at once?
  Answer: UPDATE: Each user account is limited to three (3) permits per lot (either annual or monthly). This change ensures equal access to parking permits and better availability for all users. For example: If you need nine (9) permits, you will need to create three separate HotSpot accounts (one account for every three permits). This approach ensures fair access by giving more people the opportunity to purchase permits, rather than allowing a single account to secure a large number at once.
3. Why are permit sales starting January 1, 2025?
  Answer: Annual parking permits go on sale January 1 to help manage inventory and ensure permits are available at the start of the year. Since permits are purchased through the HotSpot parking app, they can be bought from any location, even on the holiday. Hang tags can be picked up at City Hall starting the next business day.
4. Which parking lots require permits through HotSpot?
  Answer: All City owned surface lots where monthly or annual permits are available are transitioning to online permit sales through HotSpot only. These lots include:
  
  Railway, 33rd Ave, 29th St, 27thA Ave, College Way and the Parkade (Annual available, monthly available where availability exists)
  
  Transit Lot, 31st Ave (Monthly only).
  
  Check out the downtown Vernon parking map for lot information.
5. When can I start buying my 2025 parking permits?
  Answer: Annual parking permits will be available for purchase starting as early as 10:00 a.m. on January 1, 2025. Monthly permits for January will be available for purchase starting on January 4, 2025. Monthly permits for following months will be available on the 1st day of that month. Hang tags must be picked up at City Hall and will be available the next business day after purchase.
6. Why are monthly parking permits sold starting on January 4?
  The City of Vernon will begin selling monthly parking permits on January 4 to help control inventory, maximize use of capacity by allowing annual purchases first, and ensure that parking lots are not oversold. Annual passes are a convenient and cost-effective option for frequent parkers, avoiding monthly renewals and multiple trips for hang tags.
  For parking on January 2 or 3, free two-hour zones are available on the outskirts of downtown, or customers can use daily or metered parking.
7. How do I get my physical parking permit (hang tag)?
  Answer: Hang tags MUST be displayed in the vehicle while parked, and may be picked up at City Hall, starting the next business day after online purchase. For annual permit holders, a bundle of 12 monthly hang tags will be provided. The permit must be picked up by the online purchaser and will require photo ID verification. Permits must be displayed on the vehicle dash while parked.
8. Will my permit be valid if I park before receiving my hang tag?
  Answer: When you enter your license plate into HotSpot and purchase a permit online, your valid permit will be active. Hang tags must be picked up at City Hall on the first business day of permit use. To avoid fines, display the hang tag with the correct month as soon as possible.
  The City is exploring a digital license-based system to simplify the process in the future.
9. Can I transfer my annual parking pass to another person or vehicle?
  Answer: For 2025, while hang tags are still used for enforcement, you can physically transfer the tag to another vehicle. You may also wish to update the license plate information in your HotSpot account.
10. What payment methods does HotSpot accept?
  Answer: HotSpot supports payments via credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Visa Debit. Purchases are made exclusively through the app or online. To set up your account, visit the HotSpot website at htsp.ca.
11. Is there a fee for using the HotSpot app when purchasing a monthly or annual permit?
  Answer: Yes, there is a HotSpot processing user fee of $2 for each monthly permit, and $16 for each annual permit
12. Will there be any changes to the current refund policy?
  Answer: No, the City’s no-refunds policy on parking permits remains unchanged. Once purchased, permits cannot be refunded.
13. What if I don’t have a smartphone or access to the HotSpot app?
  Answer: You can still access HotSpot via their web portal on a computer. To set up your account, visit the HotSpot website at htsp.ca.
14. How will I know if my purchase was successful?
  Answer: After purchasing a permit, you’ll receive a confirmation through the HotSpot app and via email. Bring this confirmation with you when you pick up your hang tags at City Hall.
15. Why does the City still require a hang tag?
  Answer: The hang tag system will remain in place for 2025 to support the current permit validation process. The City is exploring options to transition to a digital license plate-based monitoring system in future years.
16. Are there any alternative ways to pay for parking permits in 2025?
  Answer: No, all 2025 parking permits must be purchased through the HotSpot app or web portal. If you do not want to purchase a parking permit, hourly and daily parking is available at select City-owned lots as well as the parkade. Check out the downtown Vernon parking map for lot information.

Downtown Vernon Parking Map

Additional Parking Information

City owned public parking lot and downtown Parkade rates:
- $0.75 per hour
- $5.00 per day
- $65.00 (plus GST) per month
Select lots offer free parking after 6 pm on weekdays and on weekends. Please refer to the signage in the individual lots.

On-street parking rates:
- $1.25 per hour from 9 am to 6 pm, with Sundays and Statutory Holidays free of charge.
Boat launch passes (Paddlewheel and Kalavista boat launches)
- $10.00 per day
- $60.00 per season*
*Seasonal boat launch passes may be used at both the Paddlewheel and Kalavista launches. Season passes can be purchased at the finance counter of Vernon City Hall or the District of Coldstream Municipal Office.
In June 2024, the Hotspot App has replaced PayByPhone at all City parking meters and select parking lots with hourly and daily parking options. The HotSpot app enables you to pay for vehicle parking in seconds. In December 2024, surface lot permits will also be available for sale through HotSpot.

The app is a completely cashless solution, reminds you when your parking session is about to expire and even lets you extend your parking time from anywhere! HotSpot is convenient, easy and secure.

Download the app on iOS or Android, or call 1-855-712-5888. All major credit cards as well as Visa and MasterCard debit are acceptable forms of payment.

Traditional payment methods, including coin and credit card payments, will still be accepted at parking meters and kiosks throughout the city.

Watch the instructional, step-by-step video on how to use the HotSpot app here.

How to Use the HotSpot Parking App

Create a HotSpot account.
1. Download the HotSpot Parking app. The app is a free download for Apple and Android devices from the App Store and Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and click Get Started.
3. Select your country. (Canada or USA)
4. Select your province.
5. Select your current city or location.
6. Select your user preference (either daily parking or monthly permits). This can be changed later in your app settings.
7. Enter your email address and click Next.
8. Set your password and click Next.
9. Accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and click Submit.
10. You will be given the option to “select plan”. Swipe to the left twice past Yearly, Monthly options and choose Park and Go and click Select Plan.
11. Confirm that you are signing-up for the Park and Go plan.
Add a payment method.
1. Click the button with three lines (sometimes called a “hamburger”) found in the top left corner of the screen to manage your account.
2. Click Manage My Account.
3. Under Membership and Balance, click Add/Manage Funds.
4. To add a credit card, click Add Card.
5. If prompted, enter the security code sent to your phone by text message.
6. Enter your card information, the cardholder name, country and postal code.
7. Click Save card.
To add funds to your digital wallet:
1. From the home screen of the app, under Wallet Balance, click Add Funds.
2. Select the amount you wish to add and click Add Funds.
3. Select the card you want to use for the transaction.
4. Click Use this Card.
5. You should now see the funds in your wallet when you return to the home screen.
Next, add a vehicle.
1. Click the button with three lines (sometimes called a “hamburger”) found in the top left corner of the screen to manage your account.
2. Under Parking, click Manage My Vehicles.
3. Click Add a Vehicle.
4. Type in your licence plate. To avoid receiving a ticket, make sure it is entered correctly. Note: In British Columbia, most licence plates do not include the letter “O”, it is always the number “0” (zero). You may also enter additional information about the vehicle that will assist support staff in expediting the ticket dispute process.
5. Click Add Vehicle to complete the process. You may add multiple vehicles to your account, just be sure to select the vehicle you are using when initiating your parking sessions.
6. Click Yes to confirm your licence plate is correct.
How to add funds to your digital wallet:
1. From the home screen of the app, under Wallet Balance, click Add Funds.
2. Select the amount you wish to add and click Add Funds.
3. Select the card you want to use for the transaction.
4. Click Use this Card.
5. You should now see the funds in your wallet when you return to the home screen. Funds stored in the digital wallet can be withdrawn from customer accounts upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the HotSpot App is slow to load or won't load at all?
  Please ensure you have mobile data available or are connected to a network with internet access. If you have your Wifi turned on you may have inadvertently connected to a network without internet access.
2. Why did Vernon transition to a new mobile parking provider?
  As the contract with the current provider was expiring a request for proposals process was undertaken to ensure that residents were getting the best value.
3. Why was HotSpot selected as the new parking system?
  The new payment system, HotSpot, is a well-established and trusted app used by numerous of municipalities across Canada. HotSpot offers a wide variety of features and competitive pricing.
4. What are the benefits of using HotSpot?
  
  Convenient Payment Options: Payments can be made using all major credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Visa Debit, and pre-paid credit cards.
  
  Fast Tap QR code signs: In select City parking users can easily pay without downloading the app by simply scanning the QR code with their smartphones.
  
  Reduced Convenience Fees: The convenience fees for using the HotSpot app are lower than those associated with the previous provider.
  
  Refunds for Unused Time: The HotSpot app allows users to refund the remaining time back to their digital wallet if they return to their vehicle before their parking session has expired, offering greater flexibility and cost-efficiency.
5. Can I park downtown if I don't have a cellphone?
  Yes, on-street parking meters accept coins, and Cale pay stations accept coins or credit cards in the flat-surface lots and Parkade.
6. Are there minimum requirements for transaction amounts?
  Yes, the minimum charge the HotSpot payment processor will charge for a parking session is $1.00. However, if you use funds that have been loaded into the Wallet function there is no minimum charge.
7. Is prepayment available with the new system?
  Yes, vehicles will be able to pre-pay in most zones starting at 5 a.m.
8. Do you have to sign up for a membership to use the HotSpot app?
  No membership is required to use the app.
9. What are the convenience fees?
  
  The convenience fees to use the HotSpot app are 20 cents per transaction.
  
  Fast Tap convenience fees are 30 cents per transaction.
10. Can I use the Fast Tap option without downloading the HotSpot app?
  Yes, simply scan the QR code to pay for parking with your smartphone.
11. Where is HotSpot customer data stored, and is it secure?
  HotSpot utilizes Amazon Web Services (AWS) for data storage which has industry leading security. Credit card data is encrypted, and data centers are located in Canada.
12. What is the HotSpot wallet used for?
  
  All HotSpot users have access to a wallet feature in their account. The wallet is used for hourly parking. To use the wallet, toggle on the ‘Use Wallet’ feature in the App Settings section (found in the drop down menu in the upper left hand corner).
  
  Funds can be added to the wallet at any time using a credit card, Visa Debit or prepaid Visa/MasterCard gift cards.
  
  There is a $10 minimum to load your wallet.
There are several free, 10-minute loading zones for pick-up and drop-off throughout the Downtown.

These loading zones are intended for customers of nearby restaurants, retailers, and other businesses for quick item pick-up or passenger drop-off. If you need to stay longer than 10 minutes, then please find a different parking spot.

Requests for additional curbside pick-up locations in the Downtown Business Improvement Area may be emailed to csbreception@vernon.ca .

Ten-minute loading zones are marked by green signs over the meter (see image below). The exact locations can be found on the City’s map.

MAP OF LOCATIONS

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The downtown parkade entrance gates are locked nightly. Vehicles must be out of the parkade before the final lockup hour. Lockup is provided by Cancom Security.

Parkade hours:
Monday to Friday | 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday | 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday | Closed

Emergency phone numbers:
City of Vernon Bylaws: 250-550-3505
Alpha Omega Security: 250-503-4853

Call City of Vernon Bylaws for assistance. Patrons may be required to pay a fee to the security company if unlocking the gates is requested after final lockup.
Boat launch pass rates for Paddlewheel and Kalavista boat launches:
- $10.00 per day
- $60.00 per season*
*Seasonal boat launch passes may be used at both the Paddlewheel and Kalavista launches. Season passes can be purchased at the finance counter of Vernon City Hall or the District of Coldstream Municipal Office.
In response to neighbourhood concerns regarding intrusive non-residential on-street parking in the community, the City has formed a Resident Exempt Parking Area (REPA) Policy outlining a process for residents to have their request for a REPA in their neighbourhood evaluated. REPAs are parking strategies implemented in neighbourhoods intended to address heavy demand from nearby high trip generators such as hospitals, community centres, and shopping districts. Upon expression of interest from residents through a resident-led petition, the City will recommend implementing a REPA for Council’s consideration, subject to passing a warrant assessment. To review the procedures and determine how to submit a Letter of Request for a REPA, please review the Resident Exempt Parking Area Policy.
In 2011 the City of Vernon completed the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan (CCNP) which aims to articulate a shared vision to guide investments to garner maximum benefit for the community and to guide decisions on municipal budgeting, infrastructure investment, projects, and land development in the City Centre.

Parking was identified as a critical issue through community consultation and many recommended actions of the CCNP are related to parking management. A document included in the related links has been developed as an implementation strategy for the parking-related actions of the CCNP.