May 21, 2025
Important changes are coming to parking payment in Winnipeg.
Starting July 2, we’re removing all City-operated paystations in paid on-street parking areas and several surface lots. The current paystations run on 3G networks, which mobile service providers are phasing out. They have also reached the end of their useful life, use outdated technology, and attract theft and vandalism.
With our mobile payment service, PayByPhone, now totaling over 80 percent of all parking transactions, the timing is right to move away from coin-operated machines. All paystations will be removed by August 31.
If you haven’t used PayByPhone before, or are new to parking in Winnipeg, here’s what you need to know:
Pay for parking with PayByPhone
PayByPhone is a mobile app available on iOS and Android devices. Once you download it and register for an account, you’ll be able to save information about your vehicle, as well as your preferred payment option (debit, credit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay). This makes it easy to quickly pay for parking once you arrive at your spot.
Each block face in paid parking areas has a unique six-digit location number. This is the number you’ll enter when paying for parking on the app. The numbers are displayed on signs throughout these areas, and we’ll be adding more as we remove paystations.
You can also find your location using the map feature on the app. This is useful if you’re not parked next to a sign – just open the map to find your location and pay without having to leave your vehicle.
When your parking time is almost up, the app will send you a reminder to either extend your session or move your vehicle. You can also get a text message reminder for an additional fee required by PayByPhone. Text message reminders can be disabled in the app settings.
PayByPhone is also accessible on your web browser, or by calling 1-888-680-7275.
New pre-payment feature
In some cases, you may arrive at your parking spot before paid parking times begin, but you intend to stay there once they’re in effect. PayByPhone now allows you to pay for parking ahead of time. Your purchased time won’t start until after paid times are in effect.
This feature is not available on blocks where rush hour parking is prohibited.
Paying for friends and family
If you have a friend or family member who isn’t comfortable using mobile payments, you can pay for them by adding their vehicle to your account (up to a maximum of five vehicles). Since PayByPhone lets you pay for or extend parking from anywhere, they only have to let you know their location number or which block face they’re parked on.
Prepaid Parking Booklets remain available
If you prefer cash payment, you can still purchase Prepaid Parking Booklets to park on-street (formerly the Scratch N’ Park Meter Passes) at The Parking Store (495 Portage Ave.). They can also be purchased with a credit or debit card. These booklets contain ten one-hour parking passes that can be displayed on your dash (up to the maximum parking time in your location).
The booklets will also be available to buy at one of our 311 counters, either at the Susan A. Thompson Building (510 Main St.) or at Accès-Access Saint-Boniface (170 Goulet St.) by July 2.
Private parking lots
This change won’t affect parking lots run by private operators. These lots may still have paystations that accept debit, credit, or cash.
