The Toronto Parking Authority operates approximately 17,500 metered parking spaces on City of Toronto Streets. The spaces are in the core commercial areas and in the city's retail strips. Paid on-street parking is metered by one of two devices:
Pay and display machines, or
Single space meters.
Pay and display machines control multiple spaces on a block. The spaces are not marked, but the pay and display zone is indicated by a sign and line at either end. Upon depositing either coins or inserting a credit card, a ticket is issued by the machine. The ticket is then placed face up on the car dashboard with the expiry time clearly visible. The ticket has a detachable second part which serves as a receipt or reimbursement proof of purchase where applicable.
Each single space meter controls a single, marked space. These devices accept payment by coin .05¢/.10¢/.25¢/$1.00/$2.00 denominations.
Meter Rates
Upon the amalgamation of the seven former municipalities into the new City of Toronto in 1998, the new City established three hourly rate zones for on-street meters in Toronto's commercial
areas. A fourth Zone was added in May of 2004. The rates are designated by Zone as shown below.
encompasses the high activity commercial areas outside the cores. For example, Little Italy and Greektown. This is the largest zone and contains about 45% of the metered spaces.
encompasses the lower intensity neighbourhood commercial areas of the city and contains the remaining 30% of the city's metered spaces.
In addition, there are a few specialty meters which either serve an overnight residential parking function or longer stay parking in industrial areas of the city.
The extended hours only apply to the approximately 200 Zone AA metered spaces in the downtown entertainment district.
The remaining Zone AA, Zone A and virtually all of the Zone B meters have regular hours.
The Zone C meters generally operate on reduced hours.
Maximum Time
From Monday to Saturday before 6:00 p.m. all of the meters allow two hours of parking. After 6:00 p.m. time is restricted by the end of the meter hours. On Sundays where meters are in operation, parking is limited to three hours duration.
The rules which apply to each metered space are indicated on the rate card displayed on the machine or meter.
Facsimiles of theses rate cards.
Vehicles parked at metered spaces which are not in compliance with the rules are subject to enforcement by the Parking Enforcement Unit of the Toronto Police Services.
Caution: At many metered locations peak period (rush hour) parking restrictions apply. Please check signage carefully when parking to ensure your vehicle is not subject to towing.
