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Burlington, Ont. — Feb. 14, 2024 — New this spring, the City of Burlington is introducing parking fees in high demand lots and all on-street metered parking spaces on Saturdays. Starting Tuesday, April 2, 2024, users will need to pay for parking in three out of the 14 municipal parking lots and metered on-street spaces on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is free after 6 p.m. Users with a valid accessible parking permit or City-issued Veteran Parking Permit may still park in any space for free if the accessible spaces are occupied.
New Saturday parking fees
The three lots are: 1, 4 and 5. Users will need to pay for parking in these lots and metered on-street parking from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lot 1 - Pearl Street Lot, 431 Elizabeth St.
- Lot 4 - Elizabeth Street Lot, 421 John St.
- Lot 5 - Brant Street Lot, 391 Brant St.
Parking is free in most other Downtown Burlington lots, including the Waterfront Parking Garage at 414 Locust St., on weekends and holidays.
Downtown parking fee increases
For the first time in 10 years, all downtown metered on-street parking spaces and lots will see a rate increase of $0.25 per hour. The rate increases will help fund lot maintenance, infrastructure and resurfacing and are:
- Hourly rate increase from $1.75 to $2 per hour
- Daily maximum parking fee increase from $14 to $18
- Monthly permits increase from $83 to $91 and from $132 to $151
Hourly and daily users can pay their parking fees through the HONK mobile app. Users do not have to download the app but can scan the QR code on parking lot signage to pay for parking. Monthly permit holders will receive a letter outlining their increases, renewal and payment options.
For downtown parking options, visit burlington.ca/downtownparking.
Visitors are also encouraged to consider taking Burlington Transit, cycling, walking or rolling to the downtown area and leaving their cars at home.
Timing, Impacts and Basis
The City of Burlington periodically review their rates and fees for downtown parking. The last fee increase was 10 years ago in 2014.
Studies show that with intensification in the downtown core, many lots are approaching capacity. A rate increase will encourage turn over in these lots and help to pay for lot maintenance, infrastructure and resurfacing.
Research on neighbouring municipalities confirmed that these rates are consistent with their parking fees. For example, to park in Downtown Hamilton, user fees range from $3 to $3.25 per hour. To park in Downtown Oakville, user fees are $2 per hour.
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Quotes
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“Equity and accessibility are always at the forefront of Council’s decisions. We have heard from our downtown business community that their customers have voiced concerns over not being able to find available parking spots on weekends, largely due to vehicles staying multiple hours. They have asked to reinstate paid parking on Saturdays to help address this issue. The Council-approved changes to parking in our downtown are meant to help ensure a larger number of residents, visitors and shoppers are able to access the wonderful offerings of our beloved shops and restaurants whenever they drop by. Funding from the increased hourly rate will assist with infrastructure repair, maintenance, beautification and expansion of parking supply in the downtown.”
Manager, Integrated Mobility Transportation, Kaylan Edgcumbe
“Parking spaces in our most popular lots are limited and the lots fill quickly. We are introducing paid parking on Saturdays to help manage the parking and traffic flow. In collaboration with the Downtown Parking Committee, we recognize that visitors come to the downtown, not only for shopping and services, but to access recreational opportunities and enjoy Spencer Smith Park and the waterfront. In order to maintain equitable access to the waterfront and recreational destinations, Saturday paid parking be extended to on-street and “premium” surface lots only. This option aims to balance parking demand by incentivizing use of the free lots for longer-duration stays that are located further away from the Brant Street retail area. We also hope that this encourages downtown visitors to look at other modes of transportation to help reduce greenhouse gases. Less automobile use within the downtown will support a more walkable community and active modes of travel.”
Links and Resources
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Media contact:
Carla Marshall
Communications Advisor
carla.marshall@burlington.ca
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