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The City of St. Catharines is modernizing its parking system by removing all remaining coin-only single-space parking meters.
The City will replace these outdated meters with a combination of HONK pay-by-phone zones, pay-and-display multi-space meters, and two-hour parking restrictions. Time-limited areas will also allow for the purchase of residential parking permits. The pay-and-display meters, similar to those already installed at Market Square, will still provide the option for residents and visitors to use coin for payment, in addition to VISA and Mastercard.
The transition away from coin-only single-space meters was initially part of a broader parking meter upgrade project. However, due to unforeseen changes and budget constraints, the complete phase-out of these legacy meters was delayed. Replacement parts for coin meters are no longer available, and the rising costs associated with handling, processing, and securing coins, coupled with a decrease in customers carrying coins, have reduced their effectiveness and financial viability.
Since December 2023, St. Catharines’ coin-only meters have faced continuous vandalism, causing frustration among customers and leading to increased maintenance demands and enforcement challenges. These issues have made the current system unsustainable from financial and customer service perspectives.
For more information on St. Catharines parking system visit stcatharines.ca/Parking.
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