4 hours of free parking on Saturday’s in the downtown core is currently available until April 30th.
All other provisions of the By-law, including maximum parking time limits, no-parking and no-stopping areas, continue to be in effect.
The standard parking rate at on-street parking spaces is $1.50/hr and the rate in lots is $1.25/hr.
If you have a parking concern or inquiry, please complete the online Parking Concern/Inquiry form. Please be advised the intention of this form is not to dispute parking tickets.
Common Misconceptions About Parking |
Common Misconception: I can park for free at 15 and 30 minute parking spaces.
FACT: No. Payment is still required at 15 and 30 minute parking spaces. The time limit simply means you can only park in that space for 15 or 30 minutes. This information can be found in Section 33 & 34 of Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception: I am only running into a bank or the pharmacy for 2-3 minutes and therefore do not need to pay the parking meter or machine. FACT: Payment is required at all meters and machines during enforcement hours (April 1 to October 31 from Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; November 1 to March 31 from Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.).
Common Misconception: The Parking Enforcement Officers know how long a parking meter has been expired for. FACT: The Parking Enforcement Officers are unable to determine how long a parking meter has been expired for.
Common Misconception: The Parking Enforcement Officers follow people around. FACT: The Parking Enforcement Officers walk pre-determined routes and issue tickets for infractions when observed. The Officers do not follow people around.
Common Misconception: If a parking meter or machine is not working I can simply leave and will not get a ticket. FACT: If a parking meter or machine is not working you must report the issue to the Clerk’s Office at 519-271-0250, Ext 5230. This number is listed on all meters and machines. Failure to report the problem could result in a ticket being issued. If you are unable to report the issue you should move your vehicle to a space where you are able to complete payment in order to avoid a ticket.
Common Misconception: The City has a quota system for parking tickets. FACT: The City does not have a quota system for parking. The City enforces in order to ensure compliance with the Traffic and Parking By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception: The City is required to provide dedicated motorcycle parking. FACT The City is not required to provide dedicated motorcycle parking but has added motorcycle spaces in the downtown as a customer service gesture.
Common Misconception: A parking space with a ‘No Parking City of Stratford Parking Division’ cone in it is free to park in as long as I move the cone. FACT: No. A cone in a parking space with the following written on it ‘No Parking City of Stratford Parking Division” means the space has either been rented through the City’s Meter Hood Policy or has been blocked for City use. These spaces are not to be parked in unless you are the individual who has rented the space.
Common Misconception: A parking space with a red or blue meter bag over the meter is free to park in. FACT: No. A parking space with a meter bag over the meter means the space has been rented through the City’s Meter Hood Policy. If you are not the individual who rented the meter bag you are not to park in this space and will be ticketed. This information can be found in Section 49(4) of Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception: There are no long term parking spaces in the downtown. FACT: The City offers a variety of options for parking including:
Common Misconception: The pay by licence plate machines are hard to use and take a long time for payment to register. FACT: The pay by licence plate machines are really easy and quick to use once you have become accustomed to them. The hardest part is remembering your licence plate. To learn how to use the machines, follow along the screen, refer to instructions next to the machine, watch the demonstration videos on the City’s website or call the Clerk’s Office at 519-271-0250, Ext 5230 to book a demonstration.
Common Misconception: Once I complete payment at the Pay by Licence Plate machine I have to place the receipt/stub on the dashboard of my car. FACT: As the payment at pay by licence plate machines is linked to your licence plate you do not have to return to your vehicle and place the receipt on your dash. Receipt/stub is optional!
Common Misconception: Can I use my accessible parking permit in an area signed as No Parking or No Stopping? FACT: No. The accessible parking permit does not allow parking in a restricted area such as No Parking / No Stopping or No Standing.
Common Misconception: If I have an accessible parking permit I have to pay at non-accessible parking spaces. FACT: No. The City of Stratford allows the holder of a valid accessible parking permit to park in any legally marked parking space without payment of the meter for the maximum time of the meter. The valid permit MUST be displayed. If it is not displayed, a parking ticket will be issued. This information can be found in Section 42(6) of Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception: I parked outside the lines because it was necessary and therefore will not be issued a ticket. FACT No. Vehicles must be parked inside the lines. Failure to do so could result in a ticket being issued.
Common Misconception: There were no parking spaces so I parked in an area where I would not obstruct traffic and therefore should not get a ticket. FACT: All vehicles must be parked in legally marked parking spaces. Failure to do so could result in a parking ticket being issued.
Common Misconception: I have a parking permit and will not be issued a ticket even if it is not displayed or has expired. FACT: Parking permits must be valid and be displayed on the dash of your car. Failure to do so could result in a ticket being issued. This information can be found in Section 59(1)(b) of Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception: If I feed the meter or machine I can continue to park in the space I am in. FACT: No. Stated maximum parking time limits must be followed. Failure to do so could result in a ticket for exceeding the maximum parking time limit being issued. This information can be found in Section 45 of Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception: I got a ticket when I had my hazard lights flashing and I was only going to be there two minutes. FACT: The use of flashers does not give permission to park illegally. You must be parked in a legally marked parking space.
Common Misconception: Parking is not enforced on weekends. FACT: Parking is enforced Monday – Saturday as follows:
Common Misconception: I can park my motorcycle on sidewalks or in Market Square. FACT: No, motorcycles must be parked in legal parking spaces. Up to 3 motorcycles can be parked in a regular parking space as long as payment is made by one motorcycle. Motorcycles can also use the dedicated motorcycle parking if available. |
Parking Guide |
The Downtown Parking Guide includes detailed information regarding parking locations, hours of operation, hourly rates and permit rates and availability. |
Parking Map |
The Downtown Parking Map includes information such as locations of accessible parking spaces, number of spaces in specific areas and parking maximums. Please contact the Clerk’s Department if you require this document in an alternate format. |
Traffic and Parking By-law 159-2008 |
The City’s Traffic and Parking By-law 159-2008 regulates traffic and parking in the City of Stratford and is available for review. If you require an alternate format please contact the Clerk’s Office. |
"Unassumed Roads" in New Subdivisions |
Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008 applies to all new subdivisions regardless of whether or not “Unassumed Road” signs are posted and are subject to enforcement by the police or municipal by-law officers. |
About Our Officers |
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Contesting a Parking Ticket |
To dispute a City of Stratford parking ticket you can complete one of the following:
Each disputed ticket is reviewed by the Parking Review Committee. The review may include but is not limited to:
A ticket issued where the vehicle was blocking vehicular or pedestrian traffic, parked in a No Parking area or parked in an area where the offence poses a risk to safety (fire lanes, hospitals, etc.) will not be cancelled. Once all information has been reviewed and a decision made, the person disputing the ticket will be contacted by the method provided on the Request for Review form. |
Paying a Parking Ticket |
Parking tickets can be paid by the following options:
City of Stratford Clerk’s Office PO Box 818 Stratford ON N5A 6W1 If you have lost or misplaced your parking ticket you may call the Clerk's Office at 519-271-0250, Ext. 5230 during business hours. You will be required to provide your licence plate number. |
Tips to Avoid Parking Tickets |
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Accessible Parking |
The City of Stratford has adopted an Accessible Parking Permit Policy which allows persons holding a valid accessible parking permit to park for free in municipal parking spaces. The accessible permit must be displayed on the dash/visor of the vehicle when parking. Blue on-street meters will remain at each accessible parking space should persons using these spaces wish to pay, although it is not required. For pay by licence plate lots, signs have been installed at each space advising payment is not mandatory. Additional information is available under Frequently Asked Questions – Accessible Parking and Permits. |
Bus Parking |
Bus parking is available free of charge in the Downie Parking Lot. This lot is a maximum of 24 hours free parking and buses must be parked in the designated area. |
Meter Hoods |
The purpose of a “Meter Hood Rental” is to provide a controlled system for trades people to park at metered or pay by licence plate parking spaces in the downtown core when engaged in repairs, or renovations, etc., and no other parking is available to them. Meter hoods may also be rented for persons moving in or out of a downtown residence. Meter hoods can be rented from the City Clerk’s Office located on the Ground Floor of City Hall, 1 Wellington Street. “Meter hoods” refers to a cover placed over a meter or a Stratford Parking Division cone to be placed in a parking space to identify the space as reserved. The following outlines the practice to be followed for meter hood rentals:
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Monthly Permits |
The public may purchase parking permits for the Lower Erie Lot (day use only) and downtown residents may purchase parking permits for the York Parking Lot (day and overnight use) on a monthly basis. There are a limited number of permits available for each lot and you may be required to place your name on a waitlist. Permits are $113.75 per month (HST included) and can be purchased for up to six (6) months at a time. Please note prices are subject to change upon approval from City Council. |
Metered Parking |
The majority of on-street spaces in the downtown core are 4 hour meters, however, there are areas throughout the downtown core offering 12 hour meters to those requiring longer term parking. Parking in No Parking areas, over sidewalks and on boulevards adjacent to driveways is prohibited and may result in a ticket being issued. For more information on parking in the downtown and available options please see our Downtown Parking Guide. For a map of the downtown core please see our Parking Map. Please contact the Clerk’s Department if you require the parking map in an alternate format.” |
Overnight Parking |
The City’s Traffic and Parking By-law 159-2008 prohibits overnight parking on any City street or pay parking lot between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. year round. Signs advising the public of this restriction are posted at major entrances to the City of Stratford rather than on each street. Stratford Police Services enforce this restriction and should be contacted if there is a parking situation at the non-emergency line of 519-271-4141. |
Pay by Licence Plate Parking Areas |
Pay by Licence Plate machines have been installed in the Albert, Erie, George, St. Patrick and Kalbfleish Lots and on Market Place. These machines allow the user to pay by coin(s), debit card, credit card, Apple Pay or Google Wallet and do not require a receipt/stub to be placed in the vehicle as payment is linked to your licence plate. For more information please visit Frequently Asked Questions About Pay by Licence Plate.
Pay by Plate Terminal - Coins
Pay by Plate Terminal - Tap to Pay |
Veteran's Plate |
Holders of valid Ontario Veteran's vehicle licence plates may park at any on-street meter or in any City-owned off-street parking lot free of charge. |
Enforcement Outside of the Downtown Core |
As a result of input from citizens, and the availability of additional resources, the City of Stratford will now be enforcing the Traffic and Parking By-law outside of the downtown core. This enforcement will be on a complaint basis. The goal is to increase safety and ensure compliance with the City’s Traffic and Parking By-law. Requests for enforcement outside the downtown core can be made by calling the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding holidays, at 519-271-0250 ext. 5230. For enforcement requests outside of these hours, please contact Stratford Police Services at their non-emergency line 519-271-4141. |
Hours of Enforcement |
Payment for parking is required Monday to Saturday as follows:
Maximum stated time limits are in effect during these times. From December 1 to April 30 four (4) hours of free parking is offered on Saturdays as a joint initiative between the City of Stratford and the Stratford City Centre BIA. |
Private Parking Officer |
A private parking lot enforcement officer is authorized by Council in accordance with By-law 159-2008, to issue parking tickets to vehicles that are illegally parked on their private property as well as in designated fire routes and accessible parking spaces in their lots. It is the responsibility of the property owner to select an individual and apply to the City to appoint a private parking lot enforcement officer for their property and to make application to the City for approval. It is also the owner of the building's responsibility to obtain, install and maintain proper signage for by-law enforcement purposes. If you would like to make an application to enforce parking in your private parking lot, please follow the steps below:
Please submit all information above to: Corporate Services Department, Clerks Office |
Erie Street Parking Lot Improvements Information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
PURPOSE: The goal of the improvements is to address deteriorated underground services as well as above-ground surface features, and to optimize the function of the parking facility. SCOPE: The scope of the project could include:
PUBLIC CONSULTATION: The City of Stratford hosted a preliminary open house on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 to gather input from local residents and businesses on proposed improvements to the Erie Street parking lot. Information regarding upcoming open houses will be provided when it becomes available. CONSTRUCTION START DATE: A construction start date will be provided when available, and improvements would be funded through the City’s parking reserve fund. The following report is available upon request from the Clerk's Office: Management Report - 2019 Erie Street Parking Lot Improvements Open House |
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Parking Reports and Studies | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The following reports are available upon request from the Clerk's Office:
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