August 19, 2026
Looking at data from one source can provide useful information, but comparing it with other related datasets can reveal important context that may otherwise be missed. This was the case for the City of Spruce Grove, Alberta, when it examined activity in its electric vehicle charging stalls.
When the City of Spruce Grove implemented eXactpark™, the objective was to better understand how its parking assets were being used, particularly during the busy period from spring through early fall and over Christmas holidays when the City receives a significant influx of visitors. The goal was to ensure its parking policies, programs and assets remained aligned with actual demand.
With access to 24/7/365 occupancy data, the City discovered valuable ways to use the information not initially anticipated. One of those was gaining a clearer understanding of activity in its EV stalls. Charging data showed how long vehicles spent actively charging, but it could not show how long the stalls were occupied overall. But by comparing charging activity with the occupancy data, the City could see the difference between the total time the EV stalls were occupied vs. vehicles actively charging. They found that stalls were being occupied for much longer than they were actually being used for charging.
Neither dataset could provide that insight on its own. Together they gave Spruce Grove a clearer picture of how the EV stalls were actually being used.
Monthly comparison of total EV charging time (green) and total EV stall occupancy time (purple).
Spruce Grove’s Communications and Fleet and Facilities departments used the findings to make practical improvements. The City developed new signage, updated its social media messaging and provided clearer information to help drivers use the appropriate parking stalls or find alternative parking.
The same approach can be applied to other parking challenges. For example, organizations can compare overall occupancy and payment activity to better understand compliance. A gap between the two can show where compliance may be an issue and help organizations respond with clearer signage, better communication or more targeted enforcement.
Spruce Grove’s experience shows the value of looking at parking data in context. One source can provide useful information, but combining appropriate datasets can reveal a much clearer story and help organizations decide what to do next.