Special event parking fees in effect downtown this weekend

The City of St. Catharines is implementing special event parking fees to support anticipated demand downtown this weekend.

A special event parking rate of $10 will be in place at City-managed surface lots and garages, as many visitors are expected to attend events in St. Catharines including the Born and Raised Concert at Montebello Park.

Special event parking will begin on July 5 at 4:30 p.m. and July 6 at 4 p.m. at the following lots: William Street lot, Market Square lot at City Hall, St. Catharines Public Library Central Branch lot, St. Paul Street / Westchester lot, Garden Park / Carlisle Street parking garage, Garden Park lot, Race Street lot, Ontario Street parking garage, David S. Howes Way lot, and the Head Street lot.

Parking garages accept Honk mobile payments, while lots are cash only. A parking map of the City’s lots can be found at stcatharines.ca/ParkingMap.

On-street parking is also available. Metered parking is in place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, for $2 per hour. Metered parking is free outside of those hours and on holidays, however, there is a three-hour maximum daily parking limit from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and parking is prohibited from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.

A reminder for residents and visitors that there are a number of private lots situated throughout the downtown core. These are not City-run lots and the City does not have any control over the fees that will be charged.

Roads around Montebello Park will experience disruptions throughout the weekend due to the two-day concert. A portion of Lake Street, from Ontario Street to Queen Street, will be closed to all traffic from 6 p.m. to midnight, on July 5 and 6. Surrounding roads including portions of Queen Street, Duke Street, William Street, and an additional length of Lake Street, will be restricted to local traffic only. Detour signs and traffic personnel will be in place to assist residents with access via alternate routes. 

Temporary fencing has been installed around Montebello Park which will remain closed for the duration of the event. This includes the setup and teardown of concert equipment. The playground is open with a portable washroom unit available for public use each day except for the actual event dates (July 5 and 6). The park is expected to reopen by July 8.

Parking enforcement will be in place throughout the weekend, and the City is encouraging drivers to be mindful and respectful of the parking by-laws, as well as private property.

Find out more about parking in St. Catharines at stcatharines.ca/Parking.