Item - 2026.IE27.16
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Infrastructure and Environment Committee on February 25, 2026 and was adopted with amendments.
- See also 2017.EX25.20
IE27.16 - Balancing Conflicts Over Use of Accessible Parking Permits
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:
1. Requested that the General Manager, Transportation Services, and the City Solicitor, to report to the May 4, 2026 meeting of the the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee with equitable solutions for conflicts and other issues associated with the current on-street parking exemptions offered to holders of provincial Accessible Parking Permits, and to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee at the June 10, 2026 meeting.
Origin
Summary
In parts of Toronto, including my ward, there are chronic conflicts over the use and alleged misuse of the more than 840,000 accessible parking permits issued by the provincial government. As the population ages, the number of such permits is growing steadily, while downtown parking pressure and parking conflicts are growing even more rapidly.
At present, anyone displaying such a permit on their vehicle is exempt from a large number of parking rules. These exemptions are highly valued by many permit holders. At the same time, the growing use of accessible parking permits to leave vehicles in parking prohibited or permit-parking-only areas is triggering many community complaints, and sometimes reduces visibility and pedestrian safety at intersections. Recognizing that not all disabilities are visible, my office has received many complaints about alleged abuse of such permits by apparently able-bodied individuals, particularly construction workers and delivery drivers.
Because there are now substantially fewer downtown parking spots and many more drivers and accessible permit holders, the conflict is more acute now than the last time it was considered by Council in May 2017, EX25.20 - Abuse and Misuse of Accessible Parking Permits.
Transportation Services staff are aware of these conflicts, and have been working for some time on advice to council. This includes a plan to develop an on street accessible parking guideline, and substantial work evaluating the current exemptions and potential alternatives to them. Council was promised that a parking permit exemption report would be delivered in 2025, and then in February 2026. Neither has occurred. I understand that the report is ready for Council’s consideration.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-284562.pdf
Motions
That in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 27, Council Procedures, Infrastructure and Environment Committee reconsider Item IE27.16.
That Infrastructure and Environment Committee amend Recommendation 1 as follows:
1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee request that the General Manager, Transportation Services and the City Solicitor report to the May 4, 2026 meeting of the the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee with equitable solutions for conflicts and other issues associated with the current on-street parking exemptions offered to holders of provincial Accessible Parking Permits, and to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee at the June 10, 2026 meeting.
Councillor Colle, on a Point of Order, stated that the Committee should vote on the motion to reconsider the item.