Waterloo Parking Gets an Overhaul with Free Hour and New Fee System

Waterloo Announces Parking Changes: What You Need to Know

The city of Waterloo is currently going through a bit of a shift.

We previously reported that Waterloo City Hall would be changing things up. City Hall will be moving from its current location on Mulberry Street in Downtown Waterloo to the old Courier building.

Check out the full story regarding this move here! 

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City Officials Announce Major Changes to Waterloo Parking

Waterloo city officials announced updates to downtown parking that are aimed at "enhancing accessibility, supporting local businesses, and improving the overall parking experience for residents and visitors alike."

In a press release from the City of Waterloo, it has been confirmed that the changes and updates have received the approval from city officials.

“These updates reflect our commitment to Powering Up Downtown, making it a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant destination,” said Mayor Quentin Hart.

What’s Changing with Downtown Waterloo Parking

One Free Hour of Parking for Quick Stops

If you're just dropping into the area for a quick lunch or to pick something up at a local business, you'll be able to get your first hour of parking for free. This includes both on-street parking spaces and city parking ramps.

City officials confirmed that drivers won't even have to register your license plate or pay on the app during that time.

“By introducing a free first hour of parking, streamlining our rates, and modernizing our system, we’re making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to enjoy everything downtown has to offer," Mayor Hart said.

Updated Parking Rates in Waterloo and How Much It Will Cost

One of the big questions that you might have is, just how much parking for an extended period of time in Waterloo will cost you.

In early February we reported that the city council was considering an increase in parking fees.

The city of Waterloo uses the Passport Parking App for these transactions, and parking services are provided by Republic Parking. You can get it for free in your app store.

As of right now,  the total cost to park in this part of Waterloo is approximately $0.65 for two hours or $1.05 for four hours.

This is approximately $0.33 per hour.

After the first hour of parking, on-street and ramp parking will be $1.00 per hour. If you plan to park on the street for more than four hours, the rate will be $2.00 an hour.

For those who choose to park in a parking ramp, there will be a daily maximum of $6.00 per day.

Removal of Broken and Outdated Parking Meters in Waterloo

Waterloo city officials say that the removal of these old parking meters will create a more "accessible" and "business-friendly" downtown.

The planned improvements will also create more opportunities and space for handicap-accessible spaces, aid in snow removal, and allow for business owners to have more outdoor seating options.

Over the next few weeks, new kiosks will be installed and current parking meters will be removed.

In addition, the city will offer up "educational help pieces" for the businesses and communities to acclimate to the changes, according to the city's communication director.

Waterloo Parking Violations and Updated Enforcement Policies

There is nothing more frustrating than when you get back to your car and see a ticket on the dashboard. You swore you paid the meter the right amount, right?

Well, the city of Waterloo is changing things up with parking enforcement policies.

What You Need to Know About Parking Fines in Waterloo

Each license plate will receive one warning ticket per fiscal year (July 1st – June 30th) for its first parking violation. Then, any first-time violations are set at $15.00 if paid within 30 days and $20.00 if paid after 30 days.

If your vehicle remains in violation for more than four hours in a single day, then your fine will go up to $30.00 if paid within 30 days.

Then it will go up to $35.00 if it's paid AFTER that 30 day period.

Parking enforcement operations will continue to be enforced Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

When Will the New Parking Changes in Waterloo Go Into Effect

You might be wondering when all of these changes will go into effect?

Well, according to Waterloo City Communications Director Tara Thomas-Gettman, the new parking rate structure, citation fees, warnings, and kiosks will go live on May 1st, 2025.

Also, ParkWaterloo Staff will be "focused on helping users get acclimated to the new payment system and enforcement will be soft," Thomas-Gettman said.

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