The new by-law prohibits vehicles from parking or stopping on residential lawns, gardens and other landscaped soft areas, helping to protect green space and reduce environmental impacts.
City services | October 1, 2026
On September 29, 2026, City Council approved a new by-law that bans vehicles from parking, standing or stopping on residential lawns, gardens and other landscaped soft areas not intended for vehicle parking. Council also approved amendments to the Administrative Penalty By-law 0282-2013 so lawn parking violations can be handled through the City’s Administrative Penalty System (APS), allowing complaints to be resolved faster and more consistently.
The new by-law and associated administrative penalties took effect as of September 29. The City will begin with an initial focus on education and outreach to help residents understand the new requirements before moving to full enforcement and issuing penalties.
Parking on lawns and other landscaped soft areas can compact soil, reduce green space and increase stormwater runoff. It can also damage curbs, sidewalks, boulevards and other City infrastructure when vehicles drive over them. In addition, they can block pedestrian access and make neighbourhood streets less attractive.
Between January 2023 and August 2026, the City’s Enforcement team received more than 1,500 lawn parking complaints, highlighting the need for a more effective and consistent enforcement approach.
Under the new by-law, Parking Enforcement Officers can investigate lawn parking complaints and issue penalty notices directly through the City’s APS. Notices will be issued to the registered vehicle owner. Moving these types of parking violations from the Zoning By-law to the APS will help streamline enforcement and reduce the need for court proceedings.
Fines are set at $150 for standard motor vehicles and $375 for heavy and recreational vehicles.
Residents who observe a lawn parking violation can report it by calling 311. Vehicle owners who receive a penalty notice and wish to dispute it can do so through the APS dispute resolution process.