The City of Brampton is facing a growing parking problem, with approximately 27,000 parking-related complaints and nearly as many tickets issued in the first quarter of 2025 alone—marking a 43 per cent spike in service calls compared to the same period last year.
A staff report presented to Brampton City Council on Wednesday highlighted parking as the top concern for residents, accounting for roughly 70 per cent of all by-law enforcement calls. While not every complaint results in a ticket, the near one-to-one ratio shows that enforcement officers are responding to concerns in force.
“Parking continues to be the biggest issue facing our by-law enforcement team,” said Robert Higgs, Director of Enforcement and By-law Services. “We’re actively addressing the concerns, and escalating consequences for repeat offenders are making a difference.”
This year, Brampton introduced tougher penalties under its revised Administrative Penalties Parking By-law. Repeat offenders now face fines of up to $500 for violations such as parking too close to fire hydrants, blocking traffic, and leaving detached trailers on public roads.
Since the by-law update, 620 second notices and 282 third (or more) penalties have been issued—figures Higgs described as a “significant increase in consequences.”
Enforcement officials have also seen a dramatic rise in towing, with a 97 per cent increase in vehicles being removed. A vehicle may be towed after receiving three or more notices or if it obstructs emergency vehicles. In response, Councillor Michael Palleschi has proposed the introduction of designated “tow-away zones” on narrow streets to speed up enforcement and reduce strain on city resources.
Beyond parking, the city has also reported a 77 per cent increase in proactive property standards enforcement, which is now also subject to escalating fines for ongoing violations.
Brampton City Council continues to explore further measures to ease congestion and improve safety, while reminding residents that repeat violations will result in more severe penalties.