City could face reserve fund shortfall
Parking in Kingston is about to get more expensive. A city-hired consultant says parking fees must increase to prevent a major financial shortfall.
BA Consulting Group found that while prime downtown spots are 90% full during peak hours, off-street lots and garages still have space. The city's Parking Reserve Fund, which covers parking infrastructure costs, is at risk of running out of money by 2027 and could reach a $51-million deficit by 2038.
To address this, the City’s Environmental, Infrastructure and Transportation Policies Committee approved increases starting April 1, 2025. Hourly parking rates will rise by $0.50, special event parking will cost $1 more, and meter-related fines will increase by $10. The fine for illegal accessible parking will jump from $300 to $400.
Extra bylaw officers will be hired to enforce the changes, with expanded hours now including Sunday patrols. The new fees still require full council approval.
