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Q & A Backgrounder - Sorensen Station

July 16, 2010

Where did Sorensen Station get its name?

Gordon Lloyd Sorensen, who passed away in November 1981, was a prominent citizen and is a well-respected individual in Red Deer. In 1957, Mr. Sorensen began a bus service in the city of Red Deer. He started with one bus and eventually expanded to 14 buses when he sold his business to The City in 1966. The parkade and transit terminal is a joint partnership within The City.

When will the parkade open?

The parkade is expected to open in late August and will offer over 400 stalls to serve residents and downtown businesses. In addition to providing more parking, the parkade will allow for expanded Transit office space and kiosk retail opportunities in the northwest corner.

Where is the parkade located?

The parkade is located at the intersection of 49 Street and 49 Avenue. The entrance to the parkade is along 49 Street (after the bus terminal).

How many stalls will be available?

  • 100 individual daily parking stalls (Level P1 only)
  • 162 individual monthly parking stalls (Levels P2 and P3 only)
  • 150 corporate stalls (Levels P2 and P3 only)

How are applicants chosen?

The City will accept applications until July 30, 2010. On August 3, 2010 a draw will be used to select applicants for individual and corporate parking. Those who have applied and did not have their name drawn will be placed on a waiting list.

Where can I park in the parkade?

Daily parking is available on the 1st level (P1) only. Individual and corporate monthly parking is available on the second (P2) and third (P3) levels.

How much will it cost to park in the parkade?

  • Daily parking is $.75 per hour.
  • Monthly parking is $80.00 per month plus GST for a total monthly cost of $84.00.
  • A non-refundable fee of $20.00 will be charged for the purchase or replacement of the hangtag and/or access card.

If applying for a monthly parking pass, please note those who are drawn and accept a stall in the parkade are required to pay the first and last months payment, in addition to the hang tag and non-refundable fee. The initial payment to The City would be $189.00.

What methods of payment are available for monthly parking?

  • Monthly payments will be accepted in cash, cheque, Visa, MasterCard or debit card at the Cashiers on the first floor of City Hall.
  • Monthly parking must be paid in advance to guarantee a stall. Failure to pay by the 15th of each month, for the following month, may result in the cancellation of your Monthly Parking Agreement.
  • Pre-authorized Direct Withdrawal is not available at this time, but will be offered at a later date.

What methods of payment are available for daily parking?

  • Daily parking can be paid by Cash, Visa or MasterCard at one of the “Pay on Foot Parking” machines, located on Level P1 of the parkade.

How does the new ‘Pay on Foot’ parking system work?

  • At the entrance gate, you are required to take a barcode ticket from the ticket dispenser.
  • Once you have a ticket, the gate arm will lift, allowing you to enter the parkade.
  • Make sure to take your ticket with you when you leave your car.
  • To exit the parkade, payment must be made at the “Pay on Foot’ machine.
  • The ‘Pay on Foot’ machine is located on Level P1, beside the elevator.
  • Insert your barcode ticket and pay the fee displayed.
  • The machine will dispense a new barcode ticket, which must be used to exit the parkade.
  • When exiting, insert the ticket into the machine to lift the gate arm.

How can I get a monthly parking pass?

A monthly parking application is available online, or at the Information Desk on the first floor of City Hall. Applications must be completed and submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on July 30, 2010 to be included in the initial draw. Only successful applicants will be contacted by mail. All other applicants will be placed on a waiting list if necessary.

Can I use my City of Red Deer parking card to pay for parking in the parkade?

SMART cards cannot be used in the parkade at this time, although The City is currently exploring this option.

How can I cancel my parking spot?

Please contact Parking Administration to cancel your Monthly Parking Agreement by the 15th of the month, to cancel for the following month.

Parking Administration
The City of Red Deer
(403) 342-8185

What happens if I miss the payment deadline for monthly parking?

Monthly parking must be paid in advance to guarantee a stall. Failure to pay by the 15th of each month, for the following month, may result in the cancellation of your Monthly Parking Agreement.

Can parking stalls be assigned or reserved?

No stalls are assigned or reserved. However, individual and corporate monthly parkers are guaranteed a stall.


What sustainable features have been used in the parkade?

A ‘living roof’ and LED lighting was used in the design of the parkade.


What is a living roof?

The ‘grass’ on the roof, also know as a ‘living roof’ is a drought resistant sedum (a low-growing herbaceous plant) that will change colours and shapes throughout the year.

A living roof was used on this parkade to stop heat island effect. The heat island effect is a phenomenon that occurs in developed areas where the replacement of natural land cover with paving, buildings, roads, parking lots, and other structures result in an increase in outdoor temperatures. The heat island effect can be mitigated by vegetation, green roofs, and light coloured materials that reflect heat. Urban heat islands can be as much as 12 degrees Celsius hotter than the surrounding undeveloped areas.


Where do I get information on corporate parking?

For corporate parking, please contact:

Fred Dieno
Parking Coordinator
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8287

fred.dieno@reddeer.ca 

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