Pickering waterfront permit parking program is returning for its second season, following review and feedback by staff, council, businesses, and community members.
The program was first introduced in 2022 in an effort to mitigate parking issues at popular Pickering waterfront destinations, as they continue to welcome visitors from throughout the region, and beyond. Paid waterfront parking was first initiated in Durham by the Town of Ajax.
The program is active from May 1 to October 1, annually, and 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, said a city statement.
On March 27, Council adopted a number of recommended changes for this year’s program. A full list, along with program details, can be found online atcpickering.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 is being implemented for residents of waterfront streets. Information will be available in June and shared directly with residents that are eligible for these permits.
- Reduced waterfront permit parking hourly rate from $5 to $2.50 per hour, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- 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 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, 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.
Accessing Permits
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 permitparking@pickering.ca.