City of Pickering’s Waterfront Parking Program Now in Effect

Pickering, ON, May 5, 2025 – The City of Pickering’s seasonal waterfront parking program is now in effect, and will run annually from May 1 to October 1. The program helps manage high visitor volumes and traffic congestion at popular waterfront destinations by balancing access for residents and visitors.

The program includes paid parking at all City-owned waterfront parking lots, and restricted/paid parking on select streets in the waterfront area. 

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 2024 do not need to renew until 2026 and may continue to park at no charge in designated areas.

Key Program features:

• No-Charge Permit for Residents: Valid for two years; allows free parking in all waterfront areas.
• Hourly Parking for Non-Residents: $2.50/hour from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
• First two Hours Free: Monday to Friday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) in 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 Permits for Seniors: Non-residents aged 65+ may apply for a no-charge seasonal permit.
• Accessible & Veteran Parking: Vehicles with accessible parking permits or veterans’ plates may park at no charge in waterfront lots and streets – no parking session activation required (the standard six-hour parking maximum still applies).
• Free Wi-Fi: Available at Liverpool Road, Progress Park, and Beachpoint Promenade lots to support permit and payment access.

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 and the App Store) or at hotspotparking.com. Paid parking can also be activated onsite by scanning the QR code on HotSpot Fast Tap signage.

For permit inquiries, renewal status checks, or in-person assistance, contact Corporate Services on the second floor of City Hall during regular business hours, call 905.420.4611, or email Permit Parking.

This 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.

View affected waterfront areas, rates, permit registration instructions, and more at pickering.ca/WaterfrontParking. 

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 114,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.