Starting on May 1st, Pickering’s annual waterfront permit and paid parking program has returned, according to the city. Only registered residents can park for free with a permit valid for two years.
Oshawa has announced it will implement paid parking for non-registered at its waterfront from May 15 (till October 15), joining Pickering, Ajax (May 15 to September 15) and Whitby (May to October).
The Pickering program runs till October 1st and includes paid parking at all city-owned waterfront parking lots, as well as restricted and paid parking on select waterfront-area streets.
The Rates
Non-resident permits are available for $60+ HST for a month or $165+ HST for the season. Seniors (65+) who do not live in Pickering may apply for a free seasonal permit.
Without a permit, the hourly rate in waterfront parking areas is $2.50/hour (Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm) and $5/hour (Monday to Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm, and all day on Saturday and Sunday).
The first two hours are free, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm (within the waterfront permit parking area, except Beachpoint Promenade, Front Street, and municipal parking lots). A parking session must still be activated using the HotSpot app or website, but there will be no charge for the first two hours.
Free Wi-Fi is available in three municipal parking lots (Liverpool Road, Progress Park, and Beachpoint Promenade) to support permit and payment access.
Vehicles with accessible parking permits or veterans’ plates may park for free in waterfront lots and streets without activating a parking session. The standard six-hour maximum still applies.
Accessing Permits/Paid Hourly Parking:
Residents and non-residents can register for permits or initiate hourly parking through the HotSpot app (available on Google Play, the App Store). Paid hourly parking can also be activated by scanning the QR code on the HotSpot Fast Tap signage.
Pickering residents are eligible for a free seasonal parking permit, valid for two years from the date of issue. Residents who obtained a permit in 2025 do not need to renew until 2027 and may continue to park at no charge in designated areas.
This program was first introduced in 2022 to help mitigate parking issues at popular Pickering waterfront destinations, as they continue to welcome visitors from throughout the region and beyond.
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