Collingwood’s downtown is set to become more accessible with the addition of 90 new public parking spaces in a newly constructed underground facility at Harbour House.
The Town has entered into a temporary parking space lease agreement with Shepco Properties Ltd. for a five-month pilot project at the building located at 31 Huron Street.
Town officials say the pilot is designed to help ease ongoing parking pressures while supporting a vibrant and welcoming downtown core. "This pilot reflects Council’s strong commitment to ensuring accessible, convenient parking for everyone who enjoys our beautiful downtown," says Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. "By adding these 90 new spaces, we are meeting today’s needs while thoughtfully planning for the future."
The new underground parking spaces arrive as Collingwood advances its broader Parking Study, aimed at better understanding current usage and identifying long-term improvements.
While that work continues, the Harbour House pilot offers an immediate, practical solution for residents, workers and visitors navigating the busy downtown streets.
The additional spaces will complement the Town’s three existing above-ground downtown lots, boosting overall capacity while preserving surface-level space for pedestrians, businesses and community use.
Town officials say the expanded parking supply will deliver several key benefits to the community:
- Improved access to downtown shops, restaurants, workplaces and services
- Increased economic activity by making visits to the core more convenient
- Reduced parking stress during peak periods and special events
By shifting some demand underground, the initiative also helps maintain a more open, walkable streetscape above ground.
The underground facility will operate under the same rules and pricing as existing municipal downtown parking lots:
- Parking rate: $1.00 per hour, payable via HotSpot (no maximum)
- Monthly permits: $58.00, valid in any downtown municipal lot
- Paid hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Free parking: Weekends
The facility will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with enforcement handled by the Town’s By-law Enforcement Officers.
Accessible parking spaces in the underground lot will remain free of charge, consistent with other designated accessible parking areas across Collingwood. Downtown parking permit holders will be able to use the underground facility at no additional cost.
The pilot project will run for five months, giving the Town an opportunity to evaluate how underground parking can play a role in future planning efforts.
