MaPlace.ca -- a new initiative launched in March 2009 -- proposes a parking solution designed to save drivers time, money and irritation when traveling to Montreal's downtown core. The service is also available in certain Longueuil locations.
Reserve a Downtown Montreal Parking Space in Advance
MaPlace.ca offers a Montreal parking service that guarantees downtown parking spaces tailored to the needs of members, allowing clients to select personal parking parameters like price range, proximity to destination (e.g., as close as 100 metres or as far as 5 kilometres), security level (e.g., with or without attendant service, valet service, locked garage) and other key features (e.g., heated garage, indoors or outdoor lot, car wash service). Reservations must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance or as far as one month ahead. Once payment is made online, a specific parking spot is guaranteed for the time requested. And while the client cannot park in the spot ahead of the booked time frame (unless the parking attendant agrees), the space is guaranteed for up to 60 minutes after the reservation period, so no worries if you're late. The client can also extend parking time without notice but is then required to pay for any extra usage directly to the parking operator.
Save Money with MaPlace.ca?
The big question, as always, is price. Does it cost more to park with MaPlace.ca? Prices for parking do vary, and there is a $1.50 service surcharge with every reservation, but client members are often privy to cheaper rates. This La Presse article reports IBM tower parking with MaPlace.ca as an example: in March 2009, it was usually $15 on-the-spot, but with MaPlace.ca, it was only $10 plus $1.50 for the same pre-reserved space, equaling savings of up to $3.50. However, the major drawback of this service is obvious to the spontaneous: needing to reserve ahead of time is not always possible and there are pricey cancellation fees if plans change. It costs the customer $1.50 if a reservation is canceled at least 24 hours in advance. If less than 24 hours notice is given, the member is then charged the full parking rate. SUV drivers may also have to pay higher rates to accommodate vehicular size.
How Do I Reserve a Parking Space With MaPlace.ca?
Go to MaPlace.ca. Sign up online by entering your contact information as well as vehicle details (brand, model, color, year, license plate number (optional)). Indicate date and location of a future event in downtown Montreal. Select parking options (e.g., acceptable distance from event, indoor parking, attendant on the lot, heated parking, valet service, etc.). MaPlace.ca will then retrieve available options, mapped out in reference to your destination and with pricing information. Select preferred parking option. Enter credit card information. A confirmation will be sent by e-mail. Print the confirmation for proof of reservation. And make sure to print out your client card (or at least memorize the number). Your client number will be requested by the parking attendant to confirm your reservation. If no clerk is on location when you arrive, then place the client card on your dashboard
Visit MaPlace.ca for more details.
