How to Pay for Parking in Winnipeg Starting This Summer
Posted by Councillor Cindy Gilroy | May 21, 2025
Important changes are coming to how you pay for on-street parking in Winnipeg. Beginning July 2, all City-operated paystations in paid on-street parking areas and several surface lots will start to be removed. These machines run on 3G networks, which are being phased out by mobile providers, and they have reached the end of their life. They are also frequently targeted by theft and vandalism, and their outdated technology no longer meets our needs.
With more than 80 percent of all parking payments now made through the mobile app PayByPhone, it makes sense for us to make this transition. All City paystations will be removed by August 31.
If you are new to the app or still getting used to mobile payments, here is everything you need to know to park in Winnipeg going forward.
Paying for Parking with PayByPhone
PayByPhone is a free mobile app available for download on both iOS and Android. Once you register, you can save your vehicle and payment details, including credit, debit, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, for quick and easy parking anytime.
Each block in a paid parking zone has a unique six-digit location number, which you will need to enter into the app when you pay. These numbers are shown on street signs, and more signs are being installed as paystations are removed.
If you are unsure which number to use, you can also use the map feature in the app to find your exact location and pay without even leaving your vehicle.
The app will send a reminder when your session is about to expire, so you can either move your vehicle or extend your time. You can also choose to get a text message alert for a small additional fee. If you prefer not to receive text alerts, they can be turned off in the app settings.
You can also use PayByPhone on a web browser by visiting paybyphone.com, or call 1-888-680-7275 to pay by phone.
Pre-Payment Option
Planning to park before paid hours begin? PayByPhone now offers a pre-payment feature that lets you pay in advance. The paid time will not begin until the hours of enforcement start. This is helpful if you want to avoid rushing back to your vehicle.
Please note that this option is not available in zones with rush-hour parking restrictions.
Paying for Friends or Family
If someone you know is not comfortable with mobile payments, you can add their vehicle to your account—up to five vehicles total. They just need to share the location number or street block where they are parked, and you can pay for their time from wherever you are.
Prepaid Parking Booklets Still Available
For those who prefer to pay with cash, you can still purchase Prepaid Parking Booklets (formerly Scratch N’ Park Meter Passes). These contain ten one-hour passes and are available at:
- The Parking Store, 495 Portage Avenue
- 311 Counter at the Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street
- 311 Counter at Accès-Access Saint-Boniface, 170 Goulet Street (available by July 2)
Booklets can be purchased by cash, credit, or debit, and must be displayed on your dashboard when in use.
Learn more about this option at the Winnipeg Parking Authority website.
What About Private Parking Lots?
These changes apply only to City-run parking locations. Private lots may still operate their own paystations and may continue to accept cash, debit, or credit payments depending on the operator.
We know that parking in Winnipeg is part of daily life for many residents, workers, and visitors. Moving toward mobile payment reflects how most people are already choosing to pay, and it helps the City invest in more reliable, modern tools for managing parking across neighbourhoods.
If you have questions about any of these changes, please visit winnipeg.ca/parking or contact 311.
— Cindy
