Strategic Parking Framework

The City of Toronto is developing a strategic framework for managing motor vehicle public parking, both on-street and in parking lots. Learn more by watching the introductory video above and reading the Overview text and complete Strategic Parking Framework report below. Public feedback was solicited on the key ideas in this report from November 12 to 26, 2024. The City received over 6,000 completed survey responses. A public consultation summary report will be published in the coming weeks.

Overview

Good public parking management practices are critical to achieving important city-building goals, such as increasing housing supply, tackling climate change, affordability, and the efficient movement of people and goods. Too much parking, parking in the wrong places and poor parking management contribute to higher levels of traffic congestion, reduced transit reliability, safety hazards, inefficient use of land and lost opportunities for other City building uses such as housing and parks.  Effective public parking management contributes to a livable city.

The City-Wide Strategic Parking Framework features a comprehensive list of recommended policies and actions, and includes ideas such as:

  • Converting underused parking lots into housing and parks
  • Creating new systems to track and optimize parking management (i.e. supply and demand)
  • Providing mobile apps for improved driver convenience (e.g. wayfinding to help locate available spaces)
  • Installing more charging infrastructure for electric vehicles
  • Using smart cameras and sensor technology for consistent parking enforcement
  • Supporting the growth of carsharing and vehicle-for-hire
  • Prioritizing main street curb space for transit, cycling, pedestrians, and deliveries
  • Setting parking prices that are fair and align with City objectives

These ideas were created in consultation with parking experts, providers, and users, as well as many business improvement areas (BIAs). The framework makes full use of the City’s tools for change:

  • Data and technology
  • Partnerships and collaboration
  • Pricing, regulation and enforcement
  • Land use management
  • Communication and engagement

This Strategic Parking Framework does not include residential parking, such as private driveways, on-street permit parking, and apartment parking lots. Given the complexities and need for focused consultation activities,  a roll-out of broad adjustments to the Residential Permit Parking System will require further study.

Other topics not in the scope of this Framework:

  • Commercial parking lots and the proposed commercial parking levy
  • Development parking requirement minimums or maximums
  • Parking violations fines or dispute process
  • Parking for bikes and other micromobility vehicles
  • Accessible permit parking
  • Any specific parking lots or specific streets

Read the Report

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no translation or text alternative available for some of the content on this page. If you require translation, alternate formats or need assistance understanding our any other content, please contact us at 416-338-2830 or email ParkingStrategy@toronto.ca