Waterfront Parking Permit

• Step 1: Download app or visit website, create an account & add your vehicle(s)

  Skip this step if you have already downloaded the app or logged into the website, created an account, and added your vehicle(s). If you have already downloaded the app, ensure you have the most recent version before proceeding.

  HotSpot app

  • Download the HotSpot app from either Google Play or Apple App Store.
  • Create a HotSpot account: select “Get Started” beside “Not a Member?” to begin. Follow prompts; when asked “I’ll be using HotSpot primarily for:”, select “Permits”. (the default may be checked off as 'Parking' so you may need to deselect parking and select 'Permits'). 
  • After you have created your account, you will receive an email from HotSpot asking to confirm your email. Follow the prompts indicated in the email.
  • Once you have confirmed your email, return to the HotSpot app, log in, and select select the menu icon in the top left corner, and then "Manage my Vehicles"; follow the prompts to add your vehicle(s). For each vehicle you would like a permit for, add them now. Ensure your licence plate(s) are entered correctly, as this is what will be used to validate when you park in any of the waterfront parking areas.
    
    If you are only using HotSpot to access your digital waterfront parking permit as a Barrie resident, you do not need to add a payment method.

  HotSpot website

  • Visit htsp.ca
  • Create an account by selecting “Log In”, then “New Parker? Click here.” and follow the prompts.
  • After you have created your account, you will receive an email from HotSpot asking to confirm your email. Follow the prompts indicated in the email.
  • Once you have confirmed your email, return to the HotSpot website, log in, and select "Vehicles" from the left menu to add vehicle(s) to your account. Follow the prompts to add vehicle(s). For each vehicle you would like a permit for, add them now.
    
    If you are only using HotSpot to access your digital waterfront parking permit as a Barrie resident, you do not need to add a payment method.  

• Step 2: Apply for the permit

  HotSpot app

  • Open the app and select the “Permits” tab at the bottom.
  • Select “Apply for Permit” under the heading “Residential Permits”, and follow the prompts.
  • Enter the city/municipality (i.e. Barrie) in which the permit will be issued and your address (to which the vehicle must be registered). You can enter up to two licence plates/vehicles per application. Select up to two vehicle plates from your list of vehicles. If you have more than two vehicles you would like permits for, you must wait until the first application is approved before submitting again for your additional vehicles. There is also a comments section if you would like to provide any details about your application.
  • Upload photos of your documentation: vehicle ownership for each licence plate selected on the application, and proof of residency. When taking photos of your documentation, ensure licence plate number and address are visible. Tip: take the photo as close to the document as possible so details are clear.  Select Resident Waterfront as the permit you are applying for. You can also select Allandale Residential Permit, if you are eligible. 
  • Submit application. You will receive an email from HotSpot confirming your application has been submitted.

  Cancelling an application: If for any reason you would like to cancel your application, return to Permits tab and select “Cancel Application” under the Residential Permits heading.

  HotSpot website

  • Once logged in at htsp.ca, select “Permits” from the left menu, then “Special Permits”.
  • You will see the section “Apply for Special Permit (Residential, Non-residential, etc.)" and follow the prompts to submit your application.  
  • Enter the city/municipality (i.e. Barrie) in which the permit will be issued and your address (to which the vehicle must be registered). You can enter up to two licence plates per application. Select up to two vehicle plates from your list of vehicles. If you have more than two vehicles you would like permits for, you must wait until the first application is approved before submitting again for your additional vehicles. There is also a comments section if you would like to provide any details about your application. 
  • Upload photos of your documentation: vehicle ownership for each licence plate selected on the application, and proof of residency. When taking photos of your documentation, ensure licence plate number and address are visible. Tip: take the photo as close to the document as possible so details are clear. Select Resident Waterfront as the permit you are applying for. You can also select Allandale Residential Permit, if you are eligible​. 
  • Submit application. You will receive an email from HotSpot Parking confirming your application has been submitted.

  Cancelling applications: If for any reason you would like to cancel your application, return to the Permits section, select Special Permits, and select “Cancel Application”.

• Step 3: Await confirmation

  HotSpot app

  In 3-5 business days, you will receive an email from HotSpot advising your application has been approved or rejected:

  • If your application has been rejected, the email will include an explanation. You can resubmit your application if needed.
  • If your application has been approved, you will receive an email that your permit is now active with the applicable parking areas listed.  Your new active waterfront parking permit will now appear in the “My Permits” area on the Permits tab screen. If a Claim Permit button appears under the Residential Permits area, please disregard. 

  HotSpot website

  In 3-5 business days, you will receive an email from HotSpot advising your application has been approved or rejected:

  • If your application has been rejected, the email will include an explanation. You can resubmit your application if needed.
  • If your application has been approved, you will receive an email that your permit is now active with the applicable parking areas listed.  You can view your active permit by going to the Permits section and selecting My Permits. 

• Step 1: Download app or visit website, create an & add your vehicle

  Skip this step if you have already downloaded the app or visited the website, created an account, and added your vehicle(s). If you have already downloaded the app, ensure you have the most recent version before proceeding.

  HotSpot app

  • Download the HotSpot app from either Google Play or Apple App Store.
  • Create a HotSpot account: select “Get Started” beside “Not a Member?” to begin. Follow prompts; when asked “I’ll be using HotSpot primarily for:”, select “Permits”. (the default may be checked off as 'Parking' so you may need to deselect parking and select 'Permits'). 
  • After you have created your account, you will receive an email from HotSpot asking to confirm your email. Follow the prompts indicated in the email.
  • Once you have confirmed your email, return to the HotSpot app, log in, select the menu icon and then "Manage my Vehicles" to add your vehicle to your account.  Ensure your licence plate is entered correctly, as this is what will be used to validate when you park in any of the waterfront parking areas. Add your preferred payment method.

  HotSpot website

  • Visit htsp.ca.
  • Create an account by selecting “Log In”, then “New Parker? Click here.” and follow the prompts.
  • After you have created your account, you will receive an email from HotSpot asking to confirm your email. Follow the prompts indicated in the email.
  • Once you have confirmed your email, return to the HotSpot website, log in, select "Vehicles" from the left menu to add a vehicle to your account. Follow the prompts to add the vehicle. Ensure your licence plate is entered correctly, as this is what will be used to validate when you park in any of the waterfront parking areas. Add your preferred payment method.
• Step 2: Apply for the permit

  HotSpot app

  • Open the app and select the “Permits” tab at the bottom.
  • Select “Apply for Permit” under Residential Permits and follow the prompts. You will need to confirm the city (i.e. Barrie) in which the permit will be issued, your address (to which the vehicle must be registered), and enter the licence plate. There is also a comments section if you would like to provide any details about your application. Select the permit you are applying for based on your municipality, i.e. "Waterfront Essa."​ You can enter up to two licence plates per application. Select up to two vehicle plates from your list of vehicles. If you have more than two vehicles you would like permits for, you must wait until the first application is approved before submitting again for your additional vehicles. 
  • You will also need to upload photos of your documentation: vehicle ownership for each licence plate selected on the application and proof of residency. Tip: take the photo as close to the document as possible so details are clear. 
  • You will receive an email from HotSpot confirming your application has been submitted.

  If for any reason you would like to cancel your application, return to Permits tab and select “Cancel Application” under the Residential Permits heading.

  HotSpot website

  • Log in to your HotSpot account at htsp.ca and select “Permits” from the left menu, then “Special Permits”.
  • You will see the section “Apply for Special Permit (Residential, Non-residential, etc)" and follow the prompts to submit your application. You will need to confirm the municipality in which the permit will be issued (i.e. Barrie), your address (to which the vehicle(s) must be registered), and licence plate. There is also a comments section if you would like to provide any details about your application. Select the permit you are applying for based on your municipality, i.e. "Waterfront Essa." You can enter up to two licence plates per application. Select up to two vehicle plates from your list of vehicles. If you have more than two vehicles you would like permits for, you must wait until the first application is approved before submitting again for your additional vehicles. 
  • You will also need to upload photos of your documentation: vehicle ownership for each licence plate selected on the application and proof of residency​.​​​ ​​
  • You will receive an email from HotSpot Parking confirming your application has been submitted.

  If for any reason you would like to cancel your application, return to the Permits section, scroll down and select “Cancel Application”.

  Please note, residents with permits associated with addresses in the neighbouring municipalities of Oro-Medonte, Essa, Innisfil or Springwater​ are permitted to switch vehicles by visiting the “Permits” section in HotSpot, select "My Permits", select the permit and follow the prompts to switch the vehicle licence plate number.

• Step 3: Await confirmation & purchase

  In 3-5 business days, you will receive an email from HotSpot advising your application has been approved or rejected:

  • If your application has been rejected, the email will include an explanation. You can resubmit your application if needed.
  • If your application has been approved, you will receive an email confirming you have been approved and to log into your HotSpot account to complete the purchase of the permit.

  Complete purchase using HotSpot app

  • Open the app and select the “Permits” tab at the bottom.
  • Select “Purchase a Permit”, then “Today” and follow the prompts. You will need to confirm the City (ie. Barrie) in which the permit will be issued, and location (ie. Residential Zone). You will see the permit listed that you have been approved for; either Waterfront Essa, Waterfront Innisfil, Waterfront Oro-Medonte or Waterfront Springwater.   
  • Select the permit and verify the licence plate listed next to “Vehicle”, follow prompts to purchase.
  • You will receive an email receipt that your permit is now active with the applicable parking areas listed.  Your new active resident waterfront permit will now appear in the “Active Permits” area under the Permits tab.

  Complete purchase using HotSpot website

  • Log in to your HotSpot account at htsp.ca and select “Permits” from the left menu.
  • Within the section “Acquire Permit for _____ (current month)” follow the prompts to purchase. You will need to confirm the municipality (ie. Barrie) in which the permit will be issued, and lot/zone (ie. Residential Zone). You will see the permit listed in the Permit drop down that you have been approved for; either Waterfront Essa, Waterfront Innisfil, Waterfront Oro-Medonte or Waterfront Springwater. 
  • Select the permit and verify the licence plate, follow prompts to purchase.
  • You will receive an email receipt that your permit is now active with the applicable parking areas listed.  Your new active resident waterfront permit will now appear in the “Active Permits” area on the Permits tab screen. 

• Step 1: Download app or visit website, create an & add your vehicle.

  Skip this step if you have already downloaded the app or visited the website, created an account, and added your vehicle(s). If you have already downloaded the app, ensure you have the most recent version before proceeding.

  HotSpot app

  • Download the HotSpot app from either Google Play or Apple App Store. 
  • Create a HotSpot account: select “Get Started” beside “Not a Member?” to begin. Follow prompts; when asked “I’ll be using HotSpot primarily for:”, select “Permits”. (the default may be checked off as 'Parking' so you may need to deselect parking and select 'Permits'). ​
  • After you have created your account, you will receive an email from HotSpot asking to confirm your email. Follow the prompts indicated in the email.
  • Once you have confirmed your email, return to the HotSpot app, log in, select the menu icon and then "Manage my Vehicles" to add your vehicle to your account.  Ensure your licence plate is entered correctly, as this is what will be used to validate when you park in any of the waterfront parking areas. Add your preferred payment method.

  HotSpot website

  • Visit htsp.ca.
  • Create an account by selecting “Log In”, then “New Parker? Click here.” and follow the prompts.
  • After you have created your account, you will receive an email from HotSpot asking to confirm your email. Follow the prompts indicated in the email.
  • Once you have confirmed your email, return to the HotSpot website, log in, select "Vehicles" from the left menu to add your vehicle to your account. Ensure your licence plate is entered correctly, as this is what will be used to validate when you park in any of the waterfront parking areas. Add your preferred payment method.
• Step 2: Purchase the permit

  Permits for non-residents are valid only for the vehicle that it is registered for at the time of purchase and cannot be switched.  Additional vehicle(s) will each require their own separate purchased permit.

  HotSpot app

  • Open the app and select the “Permits” tab at the bottom.
  • Select “Purchase a Permit”, then “Today” and follow the prompts. You will need to confirm the City (ie. Barrie) in which the permit will be issued, location (ie. Downtown). You will see the Non Resident Waterfront permit $130 listed.   
  • Select the permit and verify the licence plate listed next to “Vehicle”, follow prompts to purchase.
  • You will receive an email receipt that your permit is now active with the applicable parking areas listed.  Your new active non-resident waterfront permit will now appear in the “Active Permits” area on the Permits tab screen.

  HotSpot website

  • Log in to your HotSpot account at htsp.ca and select “Permits” from the left menu.
  • Within the section “Acquire Permit for _____ (current month)” follow the prompts to purchase.  You will need to confirm the municipality (ie. Barrie) in which the permit will be issued, lot/zone (ie. Downtown Zone).
  • Select the permit (ie. Non Resident Waterfront) and verify the licence plate, follow prompts to purchase.
  • You will receive an email receipt that your permit is now active with the applicable parking areas listed.  Your new active resident waterfront permit will now appear in the “Active Permits” area on the Permits tab screen. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• If I own a business in Barrie, can I get a free waterfront parking permit for my business vehicle?

  Yes. Apply for the digital waterfront parking permit through the HotSpot app or website (instructions above). Have ready your vehicle ownership information for each licence plate you are registering for, and proof of residency issued to the Barrie business address. Information will not be stored. Examples of proof of residency for a business include:

  • Water bill from within the last 60 days  
  • Cell phone bill from within the last 60 days
  • Tax bill (from current year)
  • Lease agreement
  • Business licence
• I drive a company vehicle (not a commercial vehicle); am I eligible for a free digital waterfront parking permit?

  Yes. Apply via HotSpot app or website with proof of vehicle ownership and proof of residency.

  If the vehicle’s ownership reflects a company name/address, upload a third document which connects you to the company, for example a business card, proof of employment (pay stub), or a letter on company letter head. Use the comments section on the application to add comments that may assist in explaining your documentation.

  Commercial vehicles defined as a vehicle that has a registered gross weight (RGW) of more than 4,500 kilograms are not permitted.

• I have a unique situation and am not sure if I am eligible for a free waterfront parking permit; how do I find out?

  There are unique situations in which a vehicle may be eligible for a free waterfront parking permit, even though it may not be associated with a Barrie address. Common situations:

  • Individuals who have recently moved to Barrie whose vehicle ownership has not yet been updated
    Apply using the vehicle ownership along with proof of residency of Barrie address (examples: tax bill, insurance bill, utility bill). The name on the proof of residency must match the name on the vehicle ownership.
     
  • Individuals who own a second home in Barrie
    Please use the comments section when applying to explain documentation.  If the vehicle ownership has a different address listed (not a Barrie address) please explain that the Barrie property is an additional property you own (not your primary), and upload a proof of property ownership of the Barrie property (i.e. insurance policy on the house, utility bill, tax bill, water bill).
  • Post-secondary students attending school in Barrie    
    Please use the comments section when applying to explain documentation.  If the vehicle is registered in your parent’s name, one of your uploaded documents when applying must be "proof of access" to that vehicle (i.e. an insurance policy, listing you as a secondary or occasional driver). Proof of residency in Barrie can be a lease agreement, etc.

  Eligibility is NOT OFFERED ​for the following situations:

  • Vehicles owned by a caregiver or relative of someone who resides in Barrie, but vehicle owner does not have a Barrie address themselves;
  • Vehicles visiting Barrie residents; 
  • Rented vehicles; 
  • Individuals residing in a short-term rental (summer lease, AirBnB, timeshare, etc.) who own a vehicle associated with a non-Barrie address. 

  Although you may not be eligible for a free permit, residents of neighbouring municipalities (Oro-Medonte, Essa, Innisfil or Springwater) can purchase a permit for $90, or non-residents (outside Barrie, Oro-Medonte, Essa, Innisfil or Springwater) can purchase a permit for $130.

  If you are still unsure if you are eligible for a free permit, please contact Service Barrie at 705-726-4242 or ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca to discuss your situation.

• If I have a valid accessible parking permit, do I need a resident waterfront permit?

  No, you do not need a waterfront parking permit. Individuals displaying a valid accessible parking permit are permitted to park for free in all municipal paid parking locations, including the waterfront parking areas (in any of the parking spots, not just the designated accessible parking spots), but are required to abide by any time limits that may apply to that location.

• ​My licence plate/s or vehicle details have changed, or I have a new vehicle. How do I update my digital permit?

  • Barrie residents
    If you are a resident with a digital permit associated to a Barrie address, and your vehicle has changed or if you would like to add another vehicle, please complete a new application via the HotSpot app or website. 
    
    If you need a licence plate number removed from "My Permits", contact HotSpot Support at support@htsp.ca or 1-855-712-5888.
  • Residents of neighbouring municipalities
    (Oro-Medonte, Essa, Innisfil, or Springwater)
    If you are a resident of either of the neighbouring municipalities: Oro-Medonte, Essa, Innisfil or Springwater, and have an associated permit, you are permitted to switch your vehicle by visiting the “Permits” section in HotSpot, select "My Permits", select the permit and follow the prompts to switch the vehicle licence plate number. 
  • Non-Residents
    (outside Barrie, Oro-Medonte, Essa, Innisfil, or Springwater)
    Non-resident permits outside Barrie, Oro-Medonte, Essa, Innisfil or Springwater​ are valid only for the vehicle that it is registered for at the time of purchase and cannot be switched. Additional vehicle(s) will each require their own separate purchased permit.
• Why was my application for a waterfront parking permit rejected?

  Applications can be rejected for several reasons; the rejection email you receive from HotSpot will detail the specific reason why it was rejected.

  Reasons for an application rejection can include: additional documents needed, details are not clearly visible on documents, you submitted two ownerships but only listed one vehicle, etc. 

• What is the fine for parking violations at the waterfront?

  The set fine for a parking violation in all applicable waterfront parking areas is $100 ($75 for early payment). All waterfront parking areas are patrolled by available officers as frequently as possible, but should you wish to report an infraction at the time of occurrence please call 705-739-4241 (depending on call volumes, you may need to leave a message) and officers will attend as soon as possible.

• How do I know my data is safe?

  The City worked with HotSpot to complete a Privacy Impact Assessment to ensure the app is set up to protect your data. At no time will the personal information collected be shared or sold to third parties. For hourly/daily parking, individuals have a choice to set up an account/profile on Hotspot’s app or may still continue to pay by credit card or cash at the meter or machine. 

  For the resident waterfront parking permit, you may set up an account/profile on the app or website. Images provided (proof of address and vehicle ownership) within the HotSpot application are automatically deleted from the system after the application is reviewed. 

  If you are more comfortable in person, you can come to Service Barrie at City Hall and no HotSpot account needs to be created. A Service Barrie Agent will review the documents in person at the counter (no copies are made or kept) and if approved, your licence plate number, name, address will be entered into the system, so Enforcement Officers on duty can check the number to ensure there is a valid pass attached to it. They do not have access to any further personal information and do not track you.

• How does the City know if I have a Waterfront Parking Permit?

  Enforcement Officers have a tool that checks if the licence plate number has a valid permit associated to it. They do not have access to any further personal information and do not track you.  

  To avoid a ticket, it is important that you select the vehicle you are currently driving when parking, and make sure there are no typos when you enter your licence plate number when setting up your account. You must follow all other traffic rules, such as maximum parking time limits.  

• I don't have a cell phone, can I still get a digital permit?

  You do not need a cell phone or mobile device to get a permit. You can either apply via the HotSpot website (see instructions above), or, if you are unable to use HotSpot or prefer to apply in person, please bring the required documentation to Service Barrie (City Hall, 70 Collier Street), where City staff will validate and set up your permit.

• When setting up my HotSpot account, I purchased a $20 membership by mistake. What should I do?

  If you selected a membership in error, please contact HotSpot at support@htsp.ca or 1-855-712-5888 to correct this.

  To avoid this when setting up your HotSpot account for your digital waterfront parking permit, select "permits" when prompted to choose your primary use for HotSpot. If you select "parking" and agree to the parking membership, you may be charged $20 for the annual membership if you have a credit card on file.