Cobourg council is set to review proposed updates to the town’s parking by-law and municipal parking program aimed at simplifying parking rules, increasing accessibility, and making downtown and waterfront parking more consistent for residents, visitors, and businesses.
The updates come after years of community feedback and ongoing concerns about confusing or inconsistent parking options, particularly in the downtown and waterfront areas. Council previously directed staff to “reimagine” Cobourg’s parking program to make it easier to understand and more user-friendly for residents and visitors alike.
Key Proposed Changes
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Parking Seasons: Two distinct seasons would be established. The low season runs from September 15 to May 14, and the high season runs from May 15 to September 14.
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Low-Season Parking: During the eight-month low season, all paid parking spots would offer three hours free, with a full-day pass available for $20.
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High-Season Parking: During the four-month high season, parking rates would increase to $5 per hour across all paid parking areas, with a day pass of $40.
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Resident Passes: Cobourg residents would be able to purchase a seasonal high-season pass for $100 or a monthly pass for $25. Northumberland County residents could purchase a monthly pass for $80, or a full four-month high-season pass for $320.
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Visitor Passes: Non-resident visitors would have access to a monthly high-season pass for $80, or a four-month pass for $320, rather than paying $40 per day.
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Downtown Businesses: Downtown business employees living outside the county could purchase a non-resident employee pass for $80 per month, valid at all paid parking spots. Additionally, downtown shoppers would continue to benefit from three hours free parking in all downtown meters and municipal lots.
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Accessible Parking: All accessible parking spaces would be free for permit holders. Fines for illegally using an accessible parking space would increase to $1,000.
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Residential Street Parking Permits: A new year-round residential street permit would be available for $40, allowing longer-term parking on residential streets beyond the three-hour limit. Temporary visitor permits would remain free.
Parking Fines and Enforcement
The proposed by-law updates also include revisions to penalty amounts:
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Fail to pay/display at meter (low season): $80
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Fail to pay/display at meter (high season): $110
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Fail to display accessible permit: $1,000
Other technical amendments include reducing standard on-street parking from 12 hours to three hours, clarifying winter and snow-event restrictions, restricting parking on sidewalks, and updating “No Parking” zones throughout the town.
Financial Impacts
Cobourg’s parking program generated $884,762 in revenue in 2025, including $512,726 from metered lots and spaces, $193,760 from parking passes, and $178,276 in parking fines. The proposed changes are expected to affect revenue in several ways:
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One additional month of low-season rates – revenue decrease
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Reduced free parking period from 12 months to 8 months – revenue increase
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Expanded three-hour free parking – revenue decrease
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Increased high-season parking rates – revenue increase
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Harmonization of parking passes – neutral impact
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Free accessible parking – revenue decrease
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Increased low-season meter fine from $40 to $80 – revenue increase
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Decreased high-season meter fine from $160 to $110 – revenue decrease
Implementation costs include approximately $5,000 for new signage, $56,000 for seven additional pay-and-display units, and $88,000 for license plate recognition technology for enforcement, funded from reserves. Ongoing operating expenses for software support and maintenance will be addressed in future budgets.
Next Steps
The proposed changes will be reviewed by council and, if approved, incorporated into an updated Parking By-law. Staff will monitor the program for one year after implementation and report back to council through the annual budget process.
Cobourg’s updated parking program is designed to improve accessibility, provide predictable rates, and address community concerns while balancing revenue needs and enforcement requirements, ensuring parking in the town is consistent, understandable, and fair for all stakeholders.
