Pickering waterfront parking program back for second season

Pickering’s waterfront permit parking program returns for a second season, following review and feedback by staff, Council and the public.

The program was first introduced last year to help deal with parking issues at popular Pickering waterfront destinations, and is active from May 1 to October 1. The program includes paid parking at all City waterfront parking lots and restricted/paid parking on select waterfront-area streets.

Pickering residents can apply for a no-charge permit to allow them free parking for paid parking zones.

On March 27 Pickering Council adopted a number of changes for the 2023 program, which got underway this week. A full list, along with more details, can be found at pickering.ca/WaterfrontParking.

New program changes:

• Pickering residents can obtain a no-charge seasonal permit, valid for two seasons (previously valid for only one season at a time).
• A digital guest pass system for residents of waterfront streets. Information will be available in June and shared directly with eligible residents,
• Reduced waterfront permit parking hourly rate from $5.00 to $2.50 per hour, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• In addition to the two-hour free parking granted in the Liverpool Road lay-by spaces, two-hour free parking will be provided Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., within all other waterfront permit parking areas (excluding Beachpoint Promenade, Front Street and the municipally operated waterfront parking lots).
• Senior (65 years and older) non-residents may obtain a free seasonal parking permit.
• Installation of free Wi-Fi hubs at the three municipal parking lots to improve access for those that do not have a cellular data plan.
• Additional on-site signage in affected waterfront areas.

Both permit options (paid for non-residents and no-charge for residents) are available for download through the HotSpot Parking website (link and instructions are available online) or App (download through Google Play or Apple App Stores). Paid hourly parking is available by scanning the QR code on the HotSpot Fast Tap parking signs on-site.

In-person permit registration assistance is available at City Hall, during regular business hours, at the Corporate Services front counter (second floor), by calling (905) 420-4611, or by emailing [email protected].

View affected waterfront areas, rates, permit registration instructions, and more at pickering.ca/WaterfrontParking.