Item - 2023.PA5.3

The Board of Directors of the Toronto Parking Authority received the report (July 27, 2023) from the President, Toronto Parking Authority for information.

Toronto Parking Authority Board of Directors has been requested by City Council to report on the feasibility of providing parking discounts to Canadian Veterans.

Toronto Parking Authority currently has a targeted program that provides free parking to Canadian Veterans at all Toronto Parking Authority off-street parking facilities located on lands owned by the City of Toronto. This program supports Canadian Veterans on four (4) commemorative days each year and applies to all vehicles that display a valid Ontario Veteran’s license plate (Poppy Plate). In addition, Toronto Parking Authority also provides free localised parking in coordination with the Royal Canadian Legion in support of events honouring or commemorating a significant military event that may occur from time to time throughout the city.

Toronto Parking Authority’s current parking payment systems do not have the capability to identify eligible customers or to process discounts across on-street and off-street parking environments. Given the significant costs associated with the replacement of Toronto Parking Authority’s current parking payment systems, the development of an extended parking discount program to Veterans is not recommended at this time.

The purpose of this report is to provide the Toronto Parking Authority Board of Directors with an overview of Toronto Parking Authority’s historical approach, relevant policies and technical and administrative considerations regarding discounted parking for Canadian Veterans.