Parking FAQs
This page provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions
(Last updated August 2023) Parking for 2023-2024 goes on sale August 15, 2023
***DALHOUSIE DOES NOT USE PHYSICAL PERMITS *****
Dalhousie has contracted with HotSpot for parking services and individual license plates will now indicate whether or not you have paid for parking. This is called a VIRTUAL PERMIT.
To park on any Halifax campus, you will need to purchase this virtual permit, use a parking meter, or download the HotSpot app for short-term parking where applicable.
The Agricultural Campus does not require a parking permit. Vehicles do not need to be registered. For those from the AC who travel to Halifax Campus please use short-term parking through the HotSpot app.
Accessible and individual reserved parking spaces require special permits and are not for general use. Ownership of a permit is not transferable. Only one permit per person allowed but more than one license plate may be added to an account for those who own more than one vehicle. Email parking@dal.ca for more information.
Parking pass support is available by calling HotSpot at 1-855-712-5888
Your license plate is now seen as your parking permit.
Here are answers to a few key questions about the registration process:
Receipts: Once purchased, the user should be able to have a receipt e-mailed out. This feature is not working right now, but we hope to have it remedied soon with HotSpot. A reminder that there is no need to place a receipt on your dash this year as the virtual permits replace the need for paper or physical hangtags.
NetIDs: NetIDs typically look like this: ac123456. However, they used to include a combination of letters from first and last name. These old netIDs may have trouble authenticating and showing permits, so please contact HotSpot to have yours manually adjusted: support@htsp.ca or 1-855-712-5888
Can’t select a permit? Check the “Issue Date” because these virtual permits don't start until August 15, 2023, so be sure to select "future" date to see your available permits as none will show if you select "today."
Vehicle information: This new system was not preloaded with existing vehicle information, so first-time users will need to enter vehicle information in order to buy a permit. Once you've added your vehicle(s) and select a default one, click on "purchase a permit." Adding a vehicle is a must before purchasing. Yes, you can have multiple vehicles on a permit but only one in use — just like when people use to switch hangtags.
How do I add a vehicle to my account?
Why doesn’t a permit guarantee me a parking spot? That’s not fair?
I work at the Agricultural Campus in Truro. Where do I get my parking pass?
If I don’t have a permit hanging in my windshield, how do you know I’ve paid for parking?
My family has two cars, and I don’t bring the same car every day. How does that work?
I see reserved parking lots with empty spaces, why can’t I park there?
Why are reserved spots so expensive?
Why isn’t there a parking space for everyone?
I only have classes two days a week, what are my parking options?
How do I put my name on a waiting list for the Dunn Lot?
Can you put your name on more than one waiting list at the same time?
I have a parking permit – why did I get a ticket?
How do I use the metro buses to get to the Halifax Campuses?
How much does it cost to ride the bus?
Can I park in a motorcycle spot in the winter when people are not driving motorcycles?
Why can't I see the yellow Dalhousie button I need to click in order to buy a permit?
Do I have to pay for the HotSpot App?
I don’t have a smart phone so can’t use the HotSpot App. How do I park on campus for a short time?
How do I park at the Agricultural Campus in Truro for a short time?
Permit rates vary. The rates for 2023-2024 will be available shortly. Passes are available online through the HotSpot website, (NOT the App).
You have to be a Dalhousie University staff member or a student with a valid Dalhousie ID in order to apply for a parking permit. You can purchase parking permits online through HotSpot beginning August 15, 2023 using you Net ID, password and vehicle information. You can only purchase a permit if all outstanding tickets are paid.
There are several different types of permits available – general, outdoor reserved and indoor reserved. Some guarantee reserved spots, while others do not guarantee a spot.Customers who opt to pay for their virtual permit using a Credit Card or Payroll deduction can do so through the link at https://htsp.ca/.
Staff at the Security House, located at 1252 LeMarchant Street, will still be available to assist in-person with the virtual permit transaction for any customer wishing to pay using cheque, cash or debit.
I work at the Agricultural Campus in Truro. Where do I get my parking pass?
Members of the Dalhousie community at the Agricultural Campus in Bible Hill will not be required to register vehicles for parking at that campus. If required to travel to Halifax campuses, they will need to purchase short-term parking options using parking meters or through the HotSpot App.
If I don’t have a permit hanging in my windshield, how do you know I’ve paid for parking?
Beginning September 1, 2022, Dalhousie Parking Services will scan the license plate of your parked vehicle into a mobile device to validate your virtual permit. You will no longer need a hangtag: virtual permits will replace those previously used for General and Reserved passes.
To buy a virtual permit, customers will sign-in to Hotspot through a link at https://htsp.ca/ and will need to authenticate using their Dalhousie University NetID and password. This ensures that only active Dalhousie University accounts are permitted to purchase parking. You can pay online with credit or payroll deduction. To pay with cash, cheque or debit you will have to visit the Security House at 1252 LeMarchant Street.
If your license plate cannot be validated, you will get a parking ticket and/or your vehicle can be booted or towed.
My family has two cars, and I don’t bring the same car every day. How does that work?
You can register more than one vehicle when you purchase your yearly virtual permit but you must make one the default. Each day you bring a different vehicle you will have to log in to your account online and change the default vehicle. Security Officers scanning the plate will see that it is tied to the permit Change your default vehicle on the hotspot website.
Why doesn’t a permit guarantee me a parking spot? That’s not fair?
General parking permits are oversold on campus assuming that not everyone with a permit will be on site at the same time. In most surface parking lots where only a general permit is needed, parking is on a first-come, first-served basis – starting each morning at 6 a.m. Most spots are filled by 8:15 a.m. with minimal turnover until the end of the day at 4:30 p.m.
We understand the frustration from those who paid for a permit and cannot find a spot. However, it is clearly stated at the time of purchase that a general parking permit doesn’t guarantee a parking spot.
There are more than 20,000 people who come to Dal during peak times, and only 2000 parking spots.
I see reserved parking lots with empty spaces, why can’t I park there?
There are a limited number of reserved parking spots and reserved permits are much more expensive than general permits. These spots must be available for people who have paid for reserved parking. Most of our reserved lots are full with people waiting for spots to open up. If you’d like to put your name on a waiting list, you can email reserved.list@dal.ca. In your email, please state your name, banner number and which parking lot(s) you’d like to be on a waiting list for. Anyone who parks in a reserved spot without the proper permit will be ticketed, booted or towed.
Why are reserved spots so expensive?
Reserved permits are more expensive than General permits because a spot is guaranteed. Rates increase every year because of higher annual operating costs such as snow removal, salaries of those who patrol and maintain the parking areas, utilities and yearly upkeep. Pricing is set by Senior Administration based on recommendations from Dalhousie’s Transportation and Security Committee.
In order to be placed on a list for reserved parking, you have to email reserved.list@dal.ca and indicate the reserved lot(s) you are interested in. Parking spots in the most popular reserved lots are already taken and there is a long waiting list to get a spot. There may be reserved spots in some underground heated lots available at the highest parking rate price.
Why isn’t there a parking space for everyone?
Parking is a challenge everywhere on the Halifax peninsula and Dalhousie is no exception. More than 20,000 people come to the Dalhousie campus every day, and there are only 2,000 parking spots available. Dalhousie’s available land is prioritized for teaching and learning. It is very likely that in the future there will be even more buildings and fewer parking spaces. Currently, the Rosina Lot at Sexton Campus is a parking lot, but the land was purchased for future development as identified in the Campus Master Plan. Eventually that parking lot will cease to exist.
Why aren’t there reserved spots on every part of campus – why can’t I buy a reserved spot for Sexton?
There is no new reserved parking available at Sexton Campus. The reserved parking spots that exist at Sexton Campus were grandfathered for staff who already had reserved spots before the Dalhousie amalgamation. The nearest reserved parking permits are available on Studley Campus and may not be readily available. However, you can always put your name on a waiting list by emailing reserved.list@dal.ca. On the email, you should state your name, banner numbers and which parking lot(s) you’d like to be on a waiting list for. You will be emailed when your name comes up in sequence.
Why are people from other parts of campus allowed to park where I work? (e.g., people from Carlton parking in the Sexton lot)
General parking spots are available to anyone with General permits on a first-come first-served basis, no matter where they work, live, or study. This policy was created by Dalhousie’s Transportation and Security Committee.
How do I put my name on a waiting list for the Dunn Lot?
Email reserved.list@dal.ca and state your name, banner numbers, and which parking lot you’d like to be on a waiting list for. You will be emailed when your name comes up in sequence. This popular reserved parking lot is currently full and already has a long waiting list of several hundred people. It will be several years before a spot becomes available in that parking lot.
Can you put your name on more than one waiting list at the same time?
Yes, by emailing reserved.list@dal.ca and providing your name, banner number, and the parking lot(s) that you’d like to be on a waiting list for. You will be contacted when your name comes up in sequence.
I have a parking permit – why did I get a ticket?
There could be several reasons you received a ticket:
a) A valid permit is expected at all times. If not, it can result in a parking ticket and having your vehicle towed or immobilized. Parking will be enforced by ensuring your license plate is tied to a permit.
b) All vehicles must display a proper provincial/state license plate/temporary sticker at all times.
c) You may not be parking in the proper spot – if you have a General Parking Permit you cannot park in a reserved spot or lot. You also cannot park in a motorcycle parking lot, no matter what time of year. Also, you must obey all parking lines and parking signage.
d) The absence of a ‘NO PARKING’ sign doesn’t necessarily indicate that parking is permitted in a particular area.
e) All vehicles must not park in no parking zone.
How do I use the metro buses to get to the Halifax Campuses?
Dalhousie offers all members of our community discounted bus passes. For more information on the pass program visit https://www.dal.ca/dept/sustainability/smart-trip/transit/transit-passes.html.
How much does it cost to ride the bus?
Current fees can be found here https://www.halifax.ca/transit/fares.php. Dalhousie offers all members of our community discounted bus passes. For more information on the pass program visit https://www.dal.ca/dept/sustainability/smart-trip/transit/transit-passes.html.
Can I park in a motorcycle spot in the winter when people are not driving motorcycles?
No. Motorcycle parking spots are not big enough for cars, and must be kept available for those who do ride year-round. During the winter after heavy snow, the motorcycle parking spots are used to store excess snow.
I’ve parked in Dalhousie parking lots without a permit and nothing has happened. Why should I bother buying a permit?
Dalhousie is continually increasing its use of “boots” or devices which immobilize a vehicle until a fee is paid. Dalhousie keeps track of the license plates of all vehicle ticketed. Vehicles which have been previously ticketed are much more likely to be booted. Dalhousie may also tow vehicles to an impound lot at its discretion. If that happens, vehicle owners need to pay the ticket, find their way to the impound lot out of town, and pay another fee there to retrieve their car.
Why can't I see the yellow Dalhousie button I need to click in order to buy a permit?
Permits are distributed by NETid, your account may not have your NETId associated with it. Please contact HotSpot support by email at support@htsp.ca on over the phone at 1(855)712-5888 and let them know your current HotSpot account email address and your NetID.
Sometimes when I get to work there is construction work going on where I usually park. Why didn’t you tell me that?
During the year there often times when the parking lots need upgrades, or part of the lot needs to be blocked off for maintenance work. Everyone who purchases a permit should take responsibility to remain informed about upcoming work. The easiest way to do this it by subscribing to Today@Dal, a daily email that includes construction information. The Subscribe now! option is in the right column.
I only have classes two days a week, what are my parking options?
Short-term parking is available by downloading the HotSpot app. HotSpot Parking Transit Taxis Homepage (htsp.ca) You must download this app to your phone. If you do not have a phone and are unable to use the HotSpot app, there are a limited number f meters around campus that accept coins.
Where on campus is short-term parking available?
A new short-term parking area can be found on the west side of Alumni Crescent (directly across from the Dalplex Fitness Centre on South Street). To park here, download the Hotspot app and register your license plate and Zone number or parking lot number to initiate a parking session.
There are also meters in many parking lots as indicated in Dal’s parking maps. Parking - Campus Maps - Dalhousie University
HotSpot also works with the new on-street parking pay stations on the streets around the Halifax campuses and throughout downtown Halifax.
The HotSpot App is available on all smart phones, and is used by HRM for parking in downtown Halifax as well as many cities across Canada. This option is more convenient by:
- Notifying users when their meter is close to expiring
- Giving users the option to add more time up to the maximum for the space
- Giving users the option to cancel their session early and be refunded for any unused time
The HotSpot App can be used to pay for short-term parking on campus at any meter or at the new short-term parking area on the west side of Alumni Crescent (directly across from the Dalplex Fitness Centre on South Street).
To park here, download the Hotspot app and register your license plate and Zone number or parking lot number to initiate a parking session. HotSpot also works with the new on-street parking pay stations on the streets around the Halifax campuses and throughout downtown Halifax.
Do I have to pay for the HotSpot App?
The services offers a pay-per-use option that adds $0.25 to the cost of the individual session. Frequent users may consider other HotSpot membership options found at www.htsp.ca/faqs/ based on their parking needs.
I don’t have a smart phone so can’t use the HotSpot App. How do I park on campus for a short time?
A limited number of parking meters still accept coins.
How do I park at the Agricultural Campus in Truro for a short time?
Free parking is available at the Agricultural Campus.
What if I have trouble buying my permit on the website and can't see the yellow Dalhousie button I need to click in order to buy a permit?
Permits are distributed by NETid, your account may not have your NETId associated with it. Please contact HotSpot support by email at support@htsp.ca on over the phone at 1(855)712-5888 and let them know your current HotSpot account email address and your NetID.
How do I add my vehicle to my account?
Parking enforcement is based on plate numbers, so you need to add your vehicle to your account.
Some points to ponder before you start adding your vehicle:
- If you drive more than one vehicle, we recommend that you add all vehicles you might park with. For example, if you have two vehicles in your household, and might drive the other vehicle even on a random day, you’ll save time and possibly a ticket, if you add both vehicles now. Each day you bring a different vehicle, you must log on and make that day's vehicle the default vehicle. If you don't, the plate will not read as being connected to a virtual permit and you may get a ticket.
- If you rent a car and park with it, either with your permit or street-side parking, we recommend that you add the rental vehicle plate.
- If you add more than one vehicle, you can make one of the vehicles the default vehicle and another other vehicle “temporary”.
Adding Your Vehicle on your HotSpot Mobile App
- Open the app.
- Press Manage My Vehicles.
- Press Add Vehicle.
- Enter your vehicle’s details.
- If this is a rental or not your regular car, press the Temporary Vehicle toggle.
- Press Add Vehicle.
Adding Your Vehicle using the HotSpot Web Dashboard
- Open a browser window.
- Go to https://hotspotparking.com/users/login_portal/102 and click Log In.
- Click the Vehicles tab.
Enter your vehicle’s details in the right panel, and click Save Vehicle.