There will be a charge of $20 per day on weekends, public holidays and city events for parking by non-registered visitors to Oshawa waterfront parks Ed Broadbent and Lakeview. Parking meter rates for lesser durations were not revealed.
Oshawa follows Pickering and Ajax to charge for parking at waterfront locations and Whitby has initiated a similar process. Mayor Dan Carter had ruled out paid parking at such locations during an interview with Durham Post in June 2022 (see below). “We don’t do it in Oshawa and I don’t support it. I’m not criticizing other communities, but we just put this destination park in for kids from 2 to 22, who can use our waterfront. It’s a spectacular space and the one thing that really brings me joy.”
The city is bringing paid parking from May 15 to October 15 for non-registered visitors at Lakeview Park and Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park on weekends, public holidays (Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day) and during city events, according to City Councillor Brian Nicholson.
Oshawa residents can park for free by registering their vehicle(s) for a Waterfront Parking Permit. Permits will be valid from May 15 to October 15 and must be renewed each year. Vehicles must be registered to an Oshawa address, he said.
“Paid parking is being implemented to help manage growing demand at Oshawa’s waterfront during peak periods. The program is intended to improve space availability during high-use times, reduce congestion and support ongoing maintenance and enhancements to the waterfront,” the councillor explained.
He said revenue generated will be allocated to the city’s Park and Recreation Infrastructure Reserve. These funds will support operational improvements and the replacement of equipment at Oshawa waterfront parks.
Oshawa has a tiered, escalating penalty system for various parking infractions starting at $40 for the first offence per season.