Toronto police have decided to introduce paid street parking on statutory holidays

Toronto police say they have decided to introduce paid on-street parking on statutory holidays in the city starting with Family Day.

“This is an emergency decision by the Toronto Police Service, which oversees on-street parking,” police said in a press release Monday.

“Historically, this has been the practice of non-compliance, but there is no legislation that specifically exempts statutory holidays from enforcement, and this change is consistent with existing legislation that allows enforcement on those days.”

Police said in a statement that revenue from legalizing on-street parking would go to the city. Police said the rate is set by the city and the money goes to the city.

According to the police, there is a need to “ensure parking stability” and the development of tram corridors, bike lanes, CafeTO and other infrastructure has increased competition for parking spaces.

“This change is in response to the growing needs of our growing city, where the demand for parking has increased significantly. The introduction of paid on-street parking on statutory holidays is a measure to address the increased competition for on-road spaces and the need to use vehicles. effective management,” said the police report.

Historically, police said its parking enforcement unit has not enforced paid on-street parking on statutory holidays due to a decision “based on past legislation and operational choices”.

Police did not say how much enforcement on statutory holidays would cost.