Lack of space or lack of information? The Canadian city of Burlington demonstrates how real data and technology can avoid unnecessary investment and transform urban mobility.
The problem: perceived shortages and citizen pressure
Located in Ontario and home to more than 200,000 people, Burlington faced a common challenge in many cities: the widespread perception that there were not enough parking spaces, especially during downtown events.
In the face of neighborhood pressure, the immediate solution seemed clear: build new parking lots. However, this decision implied a large investment with no data to justify it. In addition, the extreme weather conditions of the Canadian winter added complexity to any technological implementation.
A new strategy: measuring before building
Faced with this scenario, the City Council opted for an innovative solution: to implement a smart parking system for cities designed to know the actual use of urban space before making any investment in infrastructure.
With support from Electromega and technology from Urbiotica, Burlington deployed a network of sensors and analytics tools that would completely change parking management.
Technological solution: sensors, data and real-time signaling
The project consisted of three key technological pillars:
- 1.337 U-Spot sensors. Magnetic devices installed on the surface, capable of detecting the arrival, presence and departure of vehicles. Their resistance to extreme weather makes them ideal for year-round operation.
- 26 dynamic signage panels. They inform drivers about the availability of parking spaces in real time, reducing congestion and directing traffic to less saturated areas.
- Platform U-Admin integrated with the BI system. An advanced solution that allows the City Council to analyze occupancy data, turnover and usage patterns, facilitating informed decisions.
Key results: no need for more seats, just better management
Analysis of the data generated revealing findings:
- There were underutilized areas that the public perception ignored.
- Saturation was punctual, localized at specific times.
- The root of the problem was management, not infrastructure.
Based on this information, Burlington took strategic action:
- Redirect drivers to areas with low occupancy.
- Adjust rates according to demand, such as applying Saturday payment only where necessary.
- To make visible free spaces that previously went unnoticed.
Main result: The city avoided building new parking lots, saving millions in unnecessary public investment.
Positive impact on urban mobility
The implementation of the smart parking system brought direct and measurable benefits:
- Reduction of parking search traffic, a relevant source of emissions.
- Reduction of congestion in critical areas of the urban center.
- Increased vehicle turnover, benefiting local commerce.
- Improved driver experience, with real-time information and reduced search time.
Stephen Camm, Municipal Parking Operations Supervisor, sums it up this way:
“The information we receive from the sensors is fantastic and integrates seamlessly with our BI system.”
Towards smarter mobility: the curbside management master plan
With the data as a foundation, Burlington is now working on a master parking management plan it seeks:
- Anticipate future urban needs.
- Evaluate whether new infrastructure will be needed at some point.
- Optimize loading and unloading logistics to reduce waiting times and improve traffic flow.
This approach makes Burlington an international benchmark in sustainable urban mobility, relying on smart decisions based on data rather than intuition or pressure.
