Parking

Background:

At the November 27, 2023, Regular meeting, Council approved amendments to the City’s set fines related to the City’s Traffic and Parking By-law. Following approval, the City submitted an application to the Province requesting approval of the amended set fines. That application has now been approved and staff are in the process of enacting this change by May 1, 2024.

What does this mean?

This means that set fines for parking related infractions are increasing as of May 1, 2024. For example, an expired meter ticket will carry a set fine of $60, or a $40 voluntary payment if paid within 7 days and parking in a No Parking area/space will carry a set fine of $80, or a $60 voluntary payment if paid within 7 days. A full listing of the set fines is available.

Is the parking rate increasing?

No. The parking rate is not increasing and the standard parking rate at on-street parking spaces is $1.50/hr and the rate in lots is $1.25/hr.

How do I avoid tickets?

• Remember parking time limits, choose a lot that suits your needs
• Pay your meter/machine or use the HotSpot Application
• Free parking continues in the Cooper and Downie Lots

How is this change being communicated?

A communication plan has been created and information about the increase will be provided to the public and shared with stakeholders in various formats to reach as many people as possible. Information will be posted to the:

• City’s website
• City social media accounts
• Local newspaper
• Local radio

Questions about the increased set fines can be directed to the Clerk’s Office or 519-271-0250, extension 5230 or 5233.

Drivers are reminded that overnight parking in the City of Stratford is not permitted on any roadway, shoulder, or City parking lot between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless otherwise designated. The City of Stratford also has a winter maintenance strategy in place to provide safety and mobility to motorists and pedestrians. Vehicles parked on the road overnight and during snowfall events often cause difficulty for snow clearing and winter maintenance activities.

Signs advising of the overnight parking restriction are posted at major entrances to the City of Stratford.

Stratford Police Services enforce this restriction and should be contacted if there is an overnight parking situation at the non-emergency line of 519-271-4141.

To help enhance the City’s overnight parking and winter maintenance strategies, Stratford City Council approved updates on August 8, 2022, to the City’s Traffic and Parking By-law to prohibit parking in a manner that obstructs municipal snow clearing operations. In doing so, Council also approved an increase to the set fines for overnight parking. Effective immediately, parking in a manner which obstructs municipal snow clearing operations and/or parking overnight (between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.) will each carry a set fine of $80, or $60 voluntary payment if paid within 7 days.

For additional information, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 519-271-0250, extension. 5230

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:

• 24 hour free parking at the Cooper and Downie Lots
• 12 hour paid parking in the Kalbfleisch, George and St. Patrick Lots
• 4 hour paid parking in the Market Place, Lower and Upper Erie, Albert, and York Lots
• 15 minute, 30 minute, 4 hour and 12 hour on-street parking

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:

• April 1 to October 31 from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, excluding Sundays and Holidays
• November 1 to March 31 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, excluding Sundays and Holidays

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.

Please contact the Clerk’s Department if you require this document.

 They do not...

• Have a monthly quota to meet
• Receive bonuses for ticket amounts
• Wait in bushes, behind trees or other locations watching and waiting to issue tickets
• Follow residents around (i.e. pick on individuals)
• Remember your vehicle and if you have a permit or not
• Wait for meters to expire
• Have the ability to determine if a licence plate belongs to a person residing in the City of Stratford or a person who is visiting the City

 They are not...

• To take handouts/tips/gifts in lieu of issuing a penalty notice (parking tickets)
• To look through driver and passenger windows in detail to try and find a permit/time ticket (i.e. on floor of vehicle), the driver must assure that these are visible
• Able to look up a permit number to see if an Accessible Parking Permit is current or not
• Allowed to cancel tickets after they have been issued

They do...

• Have a job, they are to enforce the Traffic and Parking By-law 159-2008
• Take photos of the vehicle in violation if they issue a ticket

They are...

• To look for permits clearly displayed on dash/mirror/visors
• To look through driver and passenger windows to try and see a permit/time ticket (i.e. on flipped up visor or car seats)
• To look up licence plate to ensure payment has been made
• To look and see if meters are expired

To dispute a City of Stratford parking ticket you can complete one of the following:

1. You or your representative must attend the Clerk’s Office, Ground Floor, 1 Wellington Street and complete a Request for Review form.  If  you have any supporting documents they must be provided when attending the Clerk’s Office; OR
2. You or your representative must complete the online Request for Review form.  If you have any supporting documents they must be uploaded to the form prior to submitting; OR
3. You or your representative must call the First Attendance Administrator to discuss your ticket at 519-271-0250, Ext. 5230 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Each disputed ticket is reviewed by the Parking Review Committee.  The review may include but is not limited to:

• Review of any evidence provided by the person disputing the ticket
• Examining the licence plate history to identify past infractions and cancellation reasons, if applicable
• Full maintenance check of the meter or machine in question performed at the time of request by a Parking Enforcement Officer
• Review of previous maintenance on the machine or meter in question
• Verification of proper signage in the vicinity of the infraction location
• Verification that an accessible parking permit is valid

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.

1. Telephone via Visa or Mastercard at 519-271-0250, ext. 5230 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
2. In person at the Clerk’s Office, Ground Floor, 1 Wellington Street via cash, cheque, debit, Visa or Mastercard
3. Deposit an envelope with a cheque in the mail slot at the rear entrance to City Hall
4. Pay by mail by sending a cheque to the following address:

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.

The following is an example of the life of a $40.00 parking ticket:

1. Watch for Signs – please check signage and time restrictions in the downtown carefully. In addition, please watch for temporary parking restriction signs. 
2. Pay for Parking – most tickets issued in the City of Stratford are for expired meters. You can put in $0.05, $0.10, $0.25, $1.00 and $2.00 in meters and machines. You can also use debit, credit, google pay and apple wallet at the pay by licence plate machines or download the HotSpot Parking app from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iOS) and set up an account.
3. Bus Stops - Leave bus stops for bus stops. Drivers often pull into bus stops to wait for a friend, buy a cup of coffee or use a bank machine. Even a quick stop blocks the zone, forcing Stratford Transit drivers to unload or load passengers on the street. This is a potential hazard for elderly and disabled passengers and an inconvenience for other motorists when the bus is unable to pull into the zone.
4. Commercial Loading and Unloading Zones - Leave commercial loading and unloading zones for commercial vehicle loading and unloading.
5. Know the difference between “no parking” and “no stopping” - The "No Stopping" symbol is the most restrictive parking regulation. Once a vehicle has ceased moving, even if it is occupied, it is deemed stopped. Bus, Tour Bus, Taxi, Commercial and No Stopping zones are all off limits to unauthorized vehicles. If you choose to stop in any of these zones, you can be ticketed. The "No Parking" symbol is less restrictive. Drivers are allowed to use these zones (e.g. Passenger, Loading, and No Parking Anytime) to load or unload goods or to pick up or discharge passengers while actively engaging in loading and unloading the vehicle.
6. Accessible Parking Spaces - Leave accessible parking spaces for persons with accessible parking permits. Accessible parking spaces have the accessible icon painted on the ground, signage indicating it is an accessible space and if metered will have a blue meter.
7. Overnight Parking – Parking is not permitted on any City street or in any municipal pay parking lot between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. year round. Overnight parking is permitted only in the Cooper and Downie lots.
8. Time Limit – abide by the stated time limits. Ensure you are moving your vehicle after the maximum parking time limit has been reached.

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 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.

Where are the EV Charging spaces located?

There are currently 25 EV charging spaces in the downtown core:

• one space on Market Place;
• six (6) in the Kalbfleisch Lot located at 128 Erie Street;
• four (4) in the Albert Lot located at 18 Albert Street;
• nine (9) in the Erie Lot located at 91 Erie Street;
• four (4) in the York Lot located at 30 York Street; and,
• one City owned EV charging station is located in Upper Queens Park.

How to Use the EV Charging Spaces

When using a EV charging space please ensure the following:

• the vehicle is parked properly within the pavement markings;
• the vehicle is actively charging;
• payment is remitted for parking via HotSpot or at the Pay by Plate machine.

Fines for Improper Use

In accordance with Traffic and Parking By-law 159-2008, parking a non-electric vehicle parked in an electric vehicle parking space carries a set fine of $120, or $100 voluntary payment if paid within 7 days.

Additionally, parking an electric vehicle parked in an electric vehicle parking space without actively charging carries as set fine of $80, or $60 voluntary payment if paid within 7 days.

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:

1. A meter hood rental agreement must be completed by the rental party prior to issuance.
2. The rental fees for meter hoods are as follows:
   • Single Meter Hood $6.75 per day plus HST
   • Double Meter Hood $13.50 per day plus HST
   • Administration Fee $10.00 plus HST per rental
3. A $50.00 cash deposit is required at the time of completing the rental agreement, and is refunded, unless the hood/lock/cone is damaged or not returned. 
4. A maximum of four parking spaces (two (2) double or four (4) single meter hoods) can be rented at any given time by any one business or individual.
5. Meter hoods are to be returned immediately upon completion of work, failure to do so will result in continued daily charges until returned.  All fees must be paid in full when the meter hood(s) or cone(s) are returned.
6. A summary of the total outstanding fees will be forwarded to the renter every sixty (60) days for long term rentals and payment must be remitted within ten (10) business days.
7. Meter hoods cannot be left on the meter overnight.  They must be placed on the meter or in the space after 6:00 a.m. each day and removed by 11:59 p.m.
8. A Street Permit (issued by Infrastructure and Development Services) is required for all rentals where materials are to be placed upon or over streets/sidewalks during construction.   When a street permit is required, a meter hood will not be rented without a copy of the permit being provided.
9. In the event a meter hood is not being used properly or in the location indicated, the renter will be required to return the meter hood immediately.
10. A meter hood permit must be placed in the driver’s side windshield of all vehicles parking at the meter hood or parking cone.  The permit must be returned with the meter hood or parking cone.

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.

Free 72-hour permit (downtown residents only)

The Cooper Lot permit is available only to downtown residents and is intended to provide additional parking flexibility by allowing permit holders to park at no cost in the upper portion of the Cooper Lot for up to 72 consecutive hours without moving your vehicle. Eligible residents must submit an application to the Clerk’s office at City Hall for approval. A driver’s licence or utility bill and photo ID are required to prove the permit holder is a downtown resident.

Cooper Lot permits expire every six months, on June 30 and December 31 of the current year, regardless of when the permit was obtained. There are a limited number of permits available and you may be required to place your name on a waitlist.

For more information please contact the Clerk’s office by phone at 519-271-0250 extension 5237 or email parking@stratford.ca.

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 contact the Clerk's Department for the Downtown Parking Guide and Parking Map.

The HotSpot Parking App is a mobile parking payment solution that allows you to pay for parking and extend your parking session directly from your smartphone. The HotSpot Parking App does not replace any existing payment options for parking downtown. This means that motorists will continue to have the ability to pay for parking using coin at meters or through pay-by-plate machines in parking lots.

Use of the HotSpot Parking App helps make parking more convenient and accessible by:

• Allowing for a contactless payment solution.
• Notifying users when their parking session is close to expiring.
• Allowing users the option to add more time (up to the maximum permitted) to extend their parking session OR to end their session early at any time to get a refund for the remaining time.

A convenience fee of $0.20 is charged by HotSpot for each new parking session.

To begin using HotSpot Parking, download the app from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iOS) and set up an account.

For more information, please visit the HotSpot website at https://htsp.ca/ or check out their quick instructional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnbboMqtRjs

HotSpot Parking Fast Tap Signs

These signs have been installed in several of our downtown lots and allow users to pay for parking by tapping the NFC code with your phone or scanning the QR Code with the camera on your phone. When you choose to pay for parking through this method, payment for parking is just as convenient as using the HotSpot App, except now payment can be made using Apple Pay or Google Pay and there is no requirement to download an app. Simply tap or scan, enter your license plate number, how long you want to park for, and pay with one of the available payment options.

Please note that maximum parking times still apply and a convenience fee of $0.35 will be charged per parking session. Similar to the convenience fee when using the App, this fee is charged by HotSpot and is not an increase in the hourly parking rate charged by the City. Payment for parking also remains available at all of our pay by plate machines and meters.

Watch this video to view a quick demonstration on how these new Fast Tap Signs work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VArDWZPErdE

For more information on parking with HotSpot, please email support@htsp.ca or call 1 (855) 712-5888.

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

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.

Payment for parking is required Monday to Saturday as follows:

• April 1 to October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., excluding Sundays and holidays.
• November 1 to March 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., excluding Sundays and holidays

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.

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:

1. Provide the legal name, phone number and current address of the person who wants to be responsible for enforcing parking in your lot. Also state whether this person is the owner or employee of the property owner. The property owner is required to obtain liability insurance coverage that specifically names the City as an additional insured.
2. The person responsible for enforcing parking in your lot will need to get a Records Check from the Police Department in Stratford.
3. Once a decision has been made regarding this request, Agreements will be sent to for signature by the signing officers of the property owner as well as the enforcement officer.
4. The private parking lot enforcement officer will be required to attend a mandatory training session before he or she can issue parking tickets and follow provided guidelines regarding issuance of tickets. Please note that parking officers may need to attend court and provide testimony should a parking ticket be challenged.

Please submit all information above to:

Corporate Services Department, Clerks Office
City of Stratford
City Hall, P.O. Box 818
Stratford, ON N5A 6W1

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:

• Upgrades to the existing storm sewer and drainage
• Replacement of asphalt surfaces
• Improved sight lines at Erie Street
• The establishment of new pedestrian routes
• A review of delivery vehicles and their movements
• The elimination of redundant driving aisles
• Investigation into the feasibility and suitability of a parking structure

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

The following reports are available upon request from the Clerk's Office: