Simcoe Parking Garage to Reopen This Monday

The Simcoe Parking Garage is reopening this Monday at 6 a.m. after it received extensive renovations announced on Friday.

Photo by Luke Best.

From Monday to Aug. 2, parking in the garage is free.

A new parking control system has been installed and will be operational on Aug. 2.

In August, the new automated parking control system will be turned on and includes gates controlling entry and exit from the garage. The new system allows options for customers to pay for their parking.

Tickets must be validated before exiting garage by inserting them into the machine at the exit, that raises the gate arm.

Debit or credit card is accepted at the machine at the exit by inserting their ticket at the exit gate.

Payment machines are located in the garage where customers can pay before leaving. Customers using this option are advised to pay for their parking as they return to their vehicle before departing the parking garage. There is a 15-minute period provided after ticket validation to exit.

Cash payments are done by inserting their ticket at the new pay station located on the lower level by the elevators and the walkway to the transit platform. This station also accepts payment by debit or credit.

There is also a new pay station on Level 2A, near the rear stairwell, that accepts only debit or credit for paying for parking and validating parking tickets prior to exit.

Customers can also pay for their parking using their HotSpot account and HotSpot readers are provided on all pay stations for customers to activate the gates using their phones.

Monthly pass holders will be issued a new proximity card or be able to obtain an RFID tag to install on their windshields. The tag automatically opens the gates upon entry and exiting. The monthly permit must be active and renewed prior to the start of the following month in order to remain operative.

There will be a deposit required for the new proximity cards or RFID tags which will be refunded when the customer no longer requires a monthly parking pass.

Parking staff will be reaching out to current monthly pass holders to arrange for issuing the new cards or customers can call the Parking Division at 705-742-7777 ext, 2802 to purchase a monthly parking pass.

Parking rates and hours of service remain unchanged. Customers parking in the Simcoe Parking Garage and King Street Parkade receives their first hour of parking free of charge.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.