Weekday parking rate updates
As part of the 2026/27 municipal budget, on-street parking rates on weekdays will increase by 25 per cent, rounded to the nearest $0.25, effective July 15, 2026. This adjustment is separate from the introduction of paid parking on Saturdays and reflects broader updates to parking management across the municipality.
View the on-street parking rate table on this webpage for updated weekday on-street parking rates.
Saturday paid parking in Halifax and Dartmouth downtown zones
Map of Saturday paid on-street parking zones
Beginning July 18, 2026, paid on-street parking will be in effect on Saturdays in select downtown areas.
When and where
- 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays
- Downtown Halifax: Zones B and C
- Downtown Dartmouth: Zone H
Rates
- First hour: Free (drivers must register through a pay station or the HotSpot app)
- Each additional hour: $2 (flat rate)
Paid parking on Saturdays is being introduced to help manage high demand in downtown areas and improve access to on-street spaces. By encouraging turnover, more parking spots are available throughout the day, making it easier for residents, visitors and customers to find convenient, short-term parking near shops, services and destinations.
This approach reflects a fair, user-pay model for managing a shared public space and helps support the ongoing operation of parking services while balancing the needs of drivers and the broader downtown community.
Real Time Paid Parking Availability Map
Pre-plan your trip downtown! This map shows overall paid parking utilization by zone in real time. Use this data to determine which zones should have available parking capacity, making it easier to find a spot when you arrive.
Pay stations
On-street parking is a pay-by-plate, pay-by-zone system. There is a mixture of paid, permit, and hourly parking in parking zones.
The on-street pay stations allow for payment by coin, or tap payments with debit cards, credit cards and smartphones. Payment is attached to your vehicle (by your license plate), not the parking space. This means your vehicle can move freely within the parking zone up to the time purchase or maximum time allowed.
How it works:
When looking for on-street paid parking in areas that have historically had meters, look for these signs and note your pay parking zone. Zones are listed on parking signage and are letters A through J.
Once parked, you can find your nearest pay station to pay using coins, debit/credit (tap only), or smartphone. You can also use the HotSpot app on your mobile device to pay (download it on the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android). HotSpot is a third party app that has partnered with CALE Canada to provide our parking solution. Users can opt for a per-transaction fee of $0.10, a monthly fee of $2.00, or an annual fee of $20.00. The HotSpot app is offered as an alternative method to manage parking sessions, however it is not required to park on street.
Tip: You will need to know your license plate and parking zone to initiate a parking session using a pay station or HotSpot. Note your license plate in your phone or write it down on a piece of paper and keep it in your purse or wallet so you don't forget.
How to use a parking pay station
- Press any button to start - The screen on the parking station may be black. Press any button to start your session.
- Select payment type - If you're paying with coins, select "coins". If you're paying with tap debit/credit or smartphone, select "tap card".
- Enter plate and zone - Type the license plate number for the vehicle using the keypad. The zone you are in is already selected. If purchasing time in a different zone, press the "select zone" button, backspace the current zone letter, and type the letter of your zone.
- Select time - You can select time in 15 minute, 30 minute, or 1 hour increments. Press the "next" button once you have entered your time. Press confirm if the time and payment due displayed are correct.
- Make payment - Paying with coins: add coins when screen displays "Insert coins to pay total fee and Confirm". Press confirm when Payment Due reads $0.00. Note: Pay stations do not provide change. Please use exact coins.
Paying with tap: press confirm when the screen displays "Please confirm and Tap Card when instructed". Tap card when screen reads "TAP card below and wait processing to complete".
On-street parking rates
Where on-street paid parking is available, it is divided up into parking zones. Parking rates are based on time-of-day demand within the parking zones. Rates vary by zone and time can be purchased in 15-minute increments for all zones.
Effective, July 18, 2026, paid on-street parking will also be in effect on Saturdays in select downtown areas (Zones B, C, H). The first hour is free, with a flat rate of $2 per hour after that. Drivers must register their session through a pay station or the HotSpot app.
| Zone | 8 a.m. | 9 a.m. | 10 a.m. | 11 a.m. | 12 a.m. | 1 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 3 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 5 p.m. | Daily Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone | 8 a.m. | 9 a.m. | 10 a.m. | 11 a.m. | 12 a.m. | 1 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 3 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 5 p.m. | Daily Max |
| A | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $1.50 | $24.00 |
| B | $3.25 | $3.25 | $4.75 | $4.75 | $4.75 | $3.25 | $3.25 | $3.25 | $3.25 | $1.50 | $35.25 |
| C | $3.25 | $3.25 | $3.25 | $4.75 | $4.75 | $4.75 | $3.25 | $3.25 | $3.25 | $1.50 | $35.25 |
| D | $4.75 | $4.75 | $4.75 | $4.75 | $4.75 | $4.75 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $1.50 | $37.50 |
| E | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $1.50 | $24.00 |
| F | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $1.50 | $24.00 |
| G | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $1.50 | $24.00 |
| H | $3.25 | $3.25 | $3.25 | $4.00 | $4.00 | $4.00 | $1.50 | $1.50 | $1.50 | $1.50 | $27.75 |
The map displays the parking zones. Click the map for a high-res version.
Donate to United Way
Year round, citizens can make a donation to United Way Halifax using any parking pay station. To make a donation, simply select "Help/Info" from the home screen and then opt for "Donation".
Common questions
- When do I have to pay for parking?
Paid parking is in effect:
- Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in select downtown zones (B, C and H) with a free first hour, once the parking session has been registered
Free parking:
- Monday to Saturday before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Sundays
- Most holidays
- How do I pay for parking?
You can pay for parking at the nearest pay station or by using the HotSpot app. You will need to know your license plate to initiate a parking session. Pay stations accept coins, debit and credit (tap only), or smartphone.
- Can I "top up" or add to my parking session?
Yes. You can add time to your parking session from the HotSpot app or any pay station.
- Do I have to park in front of or beside a pay station?
No. Paid parking areas are clearly signed. Look for paid parking signage indicating where you can park and the paid parking zone. Ensure you are not parked in areas signed as “No Parking”, “No Stopping”, or “Loading Zone” to avoid getting a ticket.
- How do I know if I must pay to park on the street and how do I know where to go to pay?
Signs are installed on the streets where payment is required. For pay station locations, please refer to the pay station location map here. Please note that placement of a pay station does not always mean the area is a paid parking zone. Before you park, please ensure to check for paid parking signage.
- Do I have to use HotSpot to park?
No. Motorists can register their parking session at the nearest pay station with just their license plate. HotSpot is a third-party app with subscription and/or usage fees that has partnered with CALE Canada to provide our parking solution. You do not need to download HotSpot to park.
- How much does it cost to use the HotSpot app?
HotSpot users can opt for a per-transaction fee of $0.10, a monthly fee of $2.00, or an annual fee of $20.00.
- How do I get a receipt for parking?
You can visit this website to receive a receipt.
- What can I do if a pay station is not working?
If a pay station is not working, try another nearby pay station or the HotSpot app. Please note you are still responsible for payment of your parking session. You may report the pay station issue by calling 311 or sending an email to contactus@311.halifax.ca.
- What can I do if there’s a problem with my HotSpot app?
Contact the service provider via its website, mobile app, or call 1-855-712-5888 (toll-free). Please do not call 311 to report issues with the mobile application.
- What is HotSpot’s Data and Privacy Policy?
HotSpot's policy can be found on their website. If you have specific questions about the use of your data please contact HotSpot directly via email.
- Is my information stored securely?
Halifax Regional Municipality treats license plate data with the utmost security. The municipality takes a number of steps to protect license plate data and requires that subcontractors who hold or process the data take protective steps, too. Those steps include restricting access to information to authorized personnel, data encryption, secure storage protocols, and regular audits.
In accordance with Section 485 of the Municipal Government Act, SNS 1998, c 18, the personal information collected to administer this program will only be used by municipal staff and, if necessary, individuals and/or organizations under service contract with the municipality for purposes relating to parking services.
If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information, please contact the Access & Privacy Office at 902-943-2148 or privacy@halifax.ca.- How long can my commercial vehicle park on-street?
Commercial vehicles can be parked on-street for no more than two (2) hours without moving. To determine if your vehicle is a commercial vehicle, please refer to the Motor Vehicle Act or Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Saturday paid parking questions
- What changes are being made to parking on Saturdays?
Beginning on July 18, 2026, paid parking will be in effect on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Downtown Halifax (parking zones B and C) and Downtown Dartmouth (parking zone H). The first hour is free with a registered parking session, followed by a flat rate of $2 per hour.
- Why is the municipality introducing paid parking on Saturdays?
Weekend parking demand in downtown areas is high. Paid parking helps manage demand by improving turnover and availability, while supporting local businesses and responsible use of public space.
- Why is the first hour of parking free?
The first free hour supports short visits, quick errands and accessibility, while encouraging turnover so more people can find parking when they need it.
- Where will Saturday paid parking apply?
The change applies in areas with the highest weekend demand—Downtown Halifax zones B and C, and Downtown Dartmouth zone H. These areas experience the highest weekend parking demand. Focusing on these zones targets pressure points while minimizing impacts in other areas.
- Will parking be enforced on Saturdays?
Yes. Parking regulations will be enforced during paid parking hours on Saturdays, consistent with weekday enforcement.
- Will paid parking be added on Sundays as well?
No. At this time, only paid parking on Saturdays has been approved. Any future changes, including Sundays, would require Regional Council approval.
- How will people be informed of the change?
Information will be shared through updated parking signage, the municipal website, social media and other communications ahead of implementation. Residents can also contact 311 with questions.
- Do I need to start a parking session for the free first hour on Saturdays?
Yes. Drivers must register a parking session at a pay station or through the HotSpot app, even if staying for less than one hour. Vehicles without a registered session may receive a ticket.
- How do I pay for parking?
Parking sessions can be started at a pay station or through the HotSpot app. The system automatically applies the first free hour when a session is registered.
- Will there be any parking costs or service fees during the free first hour?
Parking is free for one hour or less, as long as you register a parking session. Drivers must start a session using either a pay station or the HotSpot app. If you do not start a parking session, your vehicle may be ticketed.
Parking session option details:
- Pay station
- There is no fee to start a parking session at a pay station. An interactive map of pay station locations and parking zones is available at: halifax.ca/parking
- Number of pay stations per parking zone:
- Zone B: 45 pay stations
- Zone C: 24 pay stations
- Zone H: 26 pay stations
- HotSpot app
- If you use the HotSpot app, a service fee applies.
- HotSpot users can pay a $0.10 fee per transaction, or choose a $2.00 monthly plan or a $20.00 annual plan.
- The per-transaction fee applies to all parking sessions, including those within the free first hour.
- Pay station
- What happens if I see updated Saturday parking signs before July 18?
Parking signage is being updated ahead of implementation, so drivers may see updated parking signs before the change comes into effect.
Until July 18, drivers are not required to pay or register for parking on Saturdays in these areas, even if new signage is in place.
- How does paid parking support downtown areas?
Paid parking helps more people access downtown areas by encouraging turnover of spaces. This makes it easier to visit local businesses, services and destinations.
- How does this approach benefit residents and visitors?
By improving the availability of short-term parking, it’s easier to find a space and access what you need in busy downtown areas.
- What does a user-pay approach mean?
On-street parking is a shared public space. A user-pay approach helps manage demand and supports the delivery of municipal services.
- How will the municipality monitor the impact?
The municipality will monitor parking use, turnover and feedback after implementation and continue to work with community partners to assess how the change is working.
Questions?
Email contactus@311.halifax.ca or call 311.