The Town of Georgina is increasing no parking and no stopping fines within the Waterfront Park Buffer Zone after receiving approval from the Regional Senior Justice. This includes the entire shoreline area of Lake Simcoe and Town roads in lakeside neighbourhoods. A section along the Black River north of High Street in Sutton is also included.
“The fines have been increased in an effort to reduce illegal parking and stopping in our waterfront area,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk. “These areas become busy during the spring and summer months as residents and visitors are drawn to the lakefront. This can impact neighbourhood safety and access for emergency service vehicles. Once park parking lots are full, the Town is faced with parking issues on side streets surrounding our lakefront parks, prompting safety concerns for the community.”
No parking fines will increase from $30 to $100 and no stopping fines will increase from $50 to $150. Enforcement of the increased fines will begin on May 22, the Victoria Day long weekend. The fines apply to all motorists only in the event they are parked or stopped in restricted areas within the Waterfront Park Buffer Zone. This new zone defines the areas where tourism and residential neighbourhoods overlap, and where this often causes safety concerns or conflict between residents and visitors related to illegal parking. Other lakeside municipalities that receive a similar influx of tourists during peak summer seasons have taken similar measures in increasing set fines for no parking and no stopping.
The Town of Georgina is a year-round destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Boasting a 45-kilometre shoreline along Lake Simcoe, the Town is host to thousands of visitors each weekend throughout the year, especially during the summer months of July and August. The Town has three major waterfront parks (Willow Beach, Holmes Point and De La Salle Park) along with numerous smaller waterfront parks, wharves, and lake access points.
For more information, visit georgina.ca/parking.