Parking Control By-law update approved for Gravenhurst

In most places, the parking limit will extend from 3 hours to 12 hours

The proposed Parking Control By-law update was approved for Gravenhurst, in the September 16, 2025, Council meeting.

Staff described the by-law as a “consolidated version” of other parking by-laws in their report, indicating that it would help manage issues related to parking on streets, municipal lots, accessible parking areas, and fire routes.

A public commenting period was completed and reviewed by staff who reported that upon evaluating the feedback they determined the 3-hour parking limit in the Town “seems to lack a clear purpose and would best be used in a designated downtown core area only.”

They indicated that the by-law also includes a 12-hour street parking for roads and highways outside of the core area.

Municipal lots outside the core area with a previous 1-3-hour parking will now allow 4 hours, with other municipal lots allowing for 24 hours.

Overnight regulations for streets and municipal lots would still be applicable in winter to allow for maintenance.

“By including the maximum 12-hour, 4-hour and 24-hour parking provisions, this addresses the parking concerns for businesses who provide services to patrons that require extended parking time,” along with Senior Centre events, residents, and visitors needing extended parking time, reported staff.

They added that the by-law also removes bus parking provisions on First Street and Harvie Street parking lot.

Director of Development Services, Melissa Halford, summarized, “The main change in the by-law is that there is a change from 3 hours parking in most places in Town to 12 hours.”

She added, “There’s still restrictions in the downtown core.”

Regarding issues discussed about using boulevards and parking on narrow roads, she suggested using municipal lots instead.

She also explained that the Town had an analysis completed on the downtown core “and we have more than enough for the businesses that we have in Town.” She added, “You may just have to walk a little bit further… We have to give and take a little bit.”

Councillor, Jo Morphy, suggested parking permits as an option for street parking, however, was told that the Town doesn’t have the resources for this option, other than “one-off situations.”

Halford encouraged alternative options like using the Demand Response Transit (DRT) system, biking, walking, a scooter, or other means that doesn’t use parking in situations presenting issues.