City makes changes to Accessible Parking Permit Program

Changes to the Accessible Parking Permit Program approved by City Council earlier this year will take effect on October 1, 2024. 

The Accessible Parking Permit Program is an optional program allowing users with a valid SaskAbilities placard to park for free in paid parking areas. The program also allows users to park in paid parking zones, loading zones, and on-street accessible parking zones for longer than the posted time limits.

“A review of the program was undertaken in consultation with users and stakeholder organizations. The review focused on modernizing the program while ensuring it continues to meet the needs of users,” says Matt Grazier, Director of Community Standards. “There is an opportunity for us to better promote the program and the benefits it can provide as well as enhance communication with users.”

Changes to the program include:

1. Enhanced communication with users – The City will continue to work with SaskAbilities to improve promotion of the program. Users may also sign up to receive emailed renewal notices and information about future changes to the program. More information about the program's benefits will also be provided to users when they purchase a parking permit starting October 1.
2. Fee and time limit change – The review concluded that the existing permit fees and time limits may no longer be appropriate. Two changes were approved for these items:
   1. Increasing permit fees through a phased-in approach
      1. Starting October 1, 2024, permit fees will be $60 annually
      2. Starting October 1, 2025, permit fees will be $100 annually
      3. Rationale - The user fees for the program have not been changed since 1981, when administrative costs were lower and on-street parking rates were $0.50/hour. Both parking rates and administrative costs have increased over time, requiring an increase in the permit fee. This may mean that the program is no longer cost-effective for some users who do not frequently park in paid parking zones.
      4. Users who are residents of Saskatoon and qualify as low income may apply to receive a permit at a 50 per cent discounted rate.
   2. Reducing time limits from 72 hours to four hours
      1. Rationale - On-street parking is a public asset that serves the needs of a variety of user groups. The review concluded that a 4-hour time restriction was more appropriate to meet the intent of on-street parking. The program has historically allowed users to park on the street for up to 72 hours in paid parking areas. During the review, it was generally accepted that 72 hours is excessive in areas with high demand for on-street parking. Paid parking zones are established to encourage vehicle turnover helping to ensure that adequate supply of on-street parking is available for those who need it.

Questions or comments about the upcoming changes can be directed to parking.permits@saskatoon.ca.