Short Term Parking

Whether you’re downtown for business or just visiting for the afternoon, see below to find out where the nearest available parking options are.
Feature Image Parking Meter

Payment is required from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m on weekdays, with free parking after 4:30 p.m. during the week, on weekends, and statutory holidays.

On-Street Meters

There are different zones throughout downtown, each signified by a different colour representing the time limitations of that zone. Click to see the different zones: Downtown Parking Map (pdf)

Each meter displays the hourly rate, the prepayment availability, the time limitation, and when payment is required.

Payment on street meters can be made with all valid coins (except pennies and 50 cent coin), or with a City of Red Deer Parking Card.

Parking Meter Zone Current Rate*  
Red - 30 Minute Maximum Limit
  • To avoid a ticket, you must move your vehicle after 30 minutes
  • Prepay options starts at 5 a.m., meter starts counting down at 8 a.m.
$1.00/30 min  sticker for 30 minute restricted parking meters
Yellow - Two Hour Maximum Limit
  • To avoid a ticket, you must move your vehicle after 2 hours
  • Prepay options starts at 5 a.m., meter starts counting down at 8 a.m.
$1.75/hour  sticker for 2-hour-restricted parking meters
Orange - Two Hour Limit
  • You can reload the meter after two hours without moving your vehicle
  • Prepay option starts at 5 a.m., meter starts counting down at 8 a.m.
$1.25/hour  sticker for 2-hour-unrestricted parking meters
Green - Eight Hour Limit
  • Unrestricted full day of parking from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Prepay option starts at 5 a.m., meter starts counting down at 8 a.m.
$1.00/hour  sticker for 8-hour-unrestricted parking meters
Brown - Four Hour Limit
  • You can reload the meter after four hours without moving your vehicle
  • Prepay option starts at 5 a.m., meter starts counting down at 8 a.m.
$1.25/hour  sticker for 4-Hour-Unrestricted parking meters
Parking in a Lot

If your visit downtown will be longer than an hour or two, it is recommended you utilize a short-term stall in one of The City's parking lots. You can park for as short as a half hour, up to a full day.

There are machines in each lot where you can make your payment. A receipt will also be provided, showing you the time when your paid parking will expire.

Use the Downtown Parking Map (pdf) to see where all the City-owned lots are.

Payment Options for Short-Term Parking

On-Street Parking Meters

All parking meters accept valid Canadian currency (no pennies or 50 cent coins) and City of Red Deer Parking Cards.

City Owned Parking Lots

See the table below to see what payment options are available.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sorensen Station is only available to monthly parking customers.

Parking LotHourly RateCoinVisa/
Mastercard
CoRD
Parking Card
P1 $1.15 check mark check mark check mark
P2 $1.15 check mark check mark check mark
P4 $1.60 check mark check mark  
P7 $0.80 check mark check mark check mark
P8 $1.25 check mark check mark check mark
P9 $0.80 check mark check mark check mark
Sorensen Station $1.00 check mark check mark  

If you encounter a parking meter or machine that is out of order or not operating properly, please notify Parking Administration at 403-342-8185 or cityparking@reddeer.ca.

Parking Cards

Parking Cards are available for purchase. Reload or exchange your card and use it to park at any paid parking lot or meter downtown.

How much is a Red Deer Parking Card?

Cost:

$5 plus the cost of your preloaded time (normal denominations are $10, $20 and $50 but cards can be loaded to a maximum of $120).

How do I reload my Parking Card?

You can reload your Parking Card at either:

  • The Cashier on the main floor of City Hall.
  • At a Pay Station in any of the following City-owned parking lots: P1, P2, P8 or P9. 
    Downtown Parking Map (pdf)

If you are reloading your card at a Pay Station, follow the instructions below:
(these instructions also appear on the Pay Station display screen):

  1. On the display screen, select the option to ‘Reload Card’ (option B).
  2. Insert payment card, chip face up (must be either a Visa or MasterCard). 
    Remove immediately (one second in, one second out).
  3. Remove credit card, and insert Parking Card, chip face up. Leave Parking Card in machine until transaction is complete.
  4. Use the ‘A’ and ‘B’ buttons to add money to your card, adding $1.00 or $5.00 at a time, respectively.
  5. Once you have added desired amount, hit the checkmark button.
  6. A receipt will print out, showing initial amount on Parking Card, and the new balance.
  7. Remove Parking Card.
How do I use my Parking Card at an on-street meter?

When you arrive at a parking stall:

  1. Insert your Parking Card into the meter with the chip facing down.
  2. Meter will first show the amount of money remaining on your card.
  3. Meter will read "IN".
  4. Meter will then display the maximum amount of time available for parking at the chosen meter.
  5. Meter will then read "CARD" to remind you to remove your card.

When you return to your vehicle you must log out by:

  1. Insert your card in the parking meter with the chip facing down.
  2. Meter will display "1111".
  3. Meter will then display the amount of time you parked and return any unused money to your card.
  4. Meter will then display the amount of money remaining on your card.
  5. Meter will then read "OUT" to remind you to remove your card.
How do I use my Parking Card at a City-owned parking lot?
  1. Before inserting your Parking Card, select language button to start (A - English; B - French);
  2. Select A - "PURCHASE TICKET";
  3. Insert Parking Card with the chip facing up while your Parking Card remains in the machine;
  4. Select time required (A - for $0.25 increments; B - for $1 increments);
  5. Press "A" to confirm or "R" to cancel;
  6. The ticket will now print.
  7. The screen will display it is safe to remove your Parking Card. Please remove the card and your parking ticket.
  8. Remember to place your ticket face up on your vehicle's dash! Avoid the hassle of a parking ticket. Ensure your ticket is visible on the dash of your car.