The hunt for parking is a reality in modern urban life. In recent months websites have been springing up trying to help those on the hunt.

According to Colliers annual Parking Survey, released in July, monthly parking rates in North America’s urban cities rose eight per cent last year. Ottawa is in sixth spot at $195 per month.

 "Where do we currently go for information on parking spaces? There just are no databases that you can search to see if you can find a spot," said Ansley Deluce, co-founder of www.Parkingspots.com.

Her idea was to go beyond posting on Craigslist or usedOttawa. Deluce started her business in Toronto earlier this year and now is in 20 North American cities. A second round of financing last month will fund a soon to start advertising campaign.

It works like this: You have a space, and you register at the website and post your location. Parking hunters contact you through the site.

Deluce told me, “People don’t know they have space that could make money, a driveway, a backyard, a condo parking spot and they could all be rented out to make some cash.” 

In Ottawa, if you want to rent out a spot be aware that under the current law that would be illegal. Also be aware, the law is unlikely to be enforced.

Linda Anderson of bylaw enforcement told me, “If someone was using a driveway or some other space to rent out, we are not likely to get involved. We are complaint-driven. If the community is OK with it, then we would not investigate.” Anderson said the city went after one person last year over an illegal multiple parking operation.

Conventional parking lot operators don’t want to be left out. Some are using their own websites to help people find a parking spot — on one of their own lots, of course.

Imperial Parking has a parking spot finder on its website. In some cities, the company offers drivers the chance to pay for parking using a cellphone or book and pay for a spot via the web. The company started the wireless option two years ago and it failed to catch on. Now they believe consumers are willing to use their phone to find parking.

And what’s next? In the U.S. there are now companies putting GPS markers right on parking spots. A parked car blocks the signal. If there is no car then the spots shows as available when you request a list of available spaces.

Paul’s website of the week
www.retrevo.com — If you are planning to buy some consumer technology products check out this site. It offers free reviews on everything from many different sources. 

This Sunday on Tech Now, a special focus on video games and some of the risks to consider.

– Be sure to watch Tech Now this Sunday as part of the CTV NEWS at 6 p.m.