City opens online Residential Beach Parking Permit system for the 2024 season

Warmer weather means it’s time to hit the beach. St. Catharines residents can once again apply for their residential beach parking permits for Lakeside Park Beach and Sunset Beach.

St. Catharines residents can apply for a $15 beach parking permit, valid until Sept. 30, 2024, at both Lakeside Park Beach and Sunset Beach. For those outside of St. Catharines, parking rates of $3 per hour at either lot or a $20 per day flat rate at Sunset Beach only will apply. Lakeside Park Beach parking lot has a three-hour parking maximum. The same rates also apply to residents who choose not to purchase a beach parking pass.

Access to the beaches remains free to everyone. But as of May 8, 2024, there will be a charge to park at Lakeside Park Beach and Sunset Beach parking lots.

Residential beach parking permits are offered through HotSpot parking, a parking services vendor used by dozens of municipalities across Canada. To apply for a permit, visit stcatharines.ca/BeachParking for links to the HotSpot website and step-by-step user guide for applying. As part of the application process, residents need to provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s licence or recent utility bill, and their vehicle ownership.

Residential Beach Parking Permits are limited to two per household. Permits are entirely electronic and tied to residents’ vehicle licence plates.

Residents can also apply in-person on the second floor of City Hall at the Parking Services counter. In-person applicants will need to bring the same supporting documentation and photo identification.