Rate hike and Saturday fees proposed for parking in downtown Burlington

The cost of parking in downtown Burlington is expected to climb.

The new rates should go into effect on March 1 and will see on-street and public parking lot rates rise to $2 an hour, a 25 cent increase. The daily maximum will jump from $14 to $18.

Areas excluded are the beach and the beach overflow lot.

As well, Burlington is also considering a charge for parking on Saturdays. Up until now, you can park for free on-street and in public lots downtown on weekends.

The increase has not yet been approved by City council but Burlington’s Transportation Services Department is recommending the hike, the first since 2014.

In its report proposal, the Transportation Department points out that previously planned increases were put on hold when the pandemic hit.

“This marginal increase after almost ten years of price stability is not only manageable but necessary,” the report states.

The report goes on to say the extra revenue from the rate increase will contribute to ongoing upkeep and improvements to downtown parking areas which continue to rise.

” These improvements in turn ensure that there is available and accessible space for residents, visitors, and proprietors to make use of our downtown shops and restaurants in the future.”

As for Saturday fees, they would apply to all on-street parking and some, but not all, public lots from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The report says this move is necessary in response to reduced weekly parking revenues and a notable increase in commercial activity within the downtown on
weekends, requiring the need to increase parking turnover within prime retail areas.