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HomeRoads, Parking and TrafficParkingBeach Parking
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Beach Parking

Parking charges in beach lots began on May 8, 2023

We offer on-site, paid parking at Lakeside Park Beach and Sunset Beach for residents and visitors. St. Catharines residents may also purchase a Resident Beach Parking Permit, offering seasonal parking for the year at each lot. Free parking is available on-site at Jones Beach. Please be aware of increased parking fines and enforcement in nearby special provision areas. Boat launch parking for trailers is available at Sunset Beach with options to either purchase a season pass, or pay an hourly or daily rate.

There are also a number of nearby off-site free parking areas available at Lakeside Park Beach and Sunset Beach. View our interactive maps below for their locations.

Visitor Parking

Paid visitor parking is in effect at Lakeside Park Beach and Sunset Beach from May 1 to Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. The fee for each parking space is $3 per hour. Sunset Beach has a $20 flat maximum fee for the day, while Lakeside Park Beach has a three hour maximum. 

Paid parking assists in funding the ongoing operation and maintenance of beaches, ensuring it is beach users who pay for beaches.

St. Catharines residents who have obtained a Resident Beach Parking Permit can park without paying an hourly fee or observing a time limit. 

Resident Beach Parking Permit

St. Catharines residents may apply online for a Resident Beach Parking Permit. The permit allows for parking with no time limits between May 1 and Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day at the Lakeside Park Beach and Sunset Beach parking lots. 

Resident permit information

Residential Beach Parking Permits cover the costs of administering the permit program.

Resident permits:

  • Are available to St. Catharines residents only (proof of residency required)
  • Are limited to two per household, only one household permit can be used at any one lot at a time
  • Apply only to the Sunset Beach and Lakeside Park beach parking lots
  • Do not apply to boat launch parking at Sunset Beach
  • Do not guarantee a parking spot

Previous permit holders

Residents that had a permit issued to them in 2022 can log in using their existing username (email address) and password, and reset it if required. Previous permit holders will need to submit proof of residency before a new permit will be issued. 

To apply for a resident beach parking permit:

Your licence plate is your permit

Permits are entirely electronic, meaning residents won’t need to wait for paper parking permits to arrive in the mail. Once an email has been received by the resident stating the permit is approved, the permit is active and in effect for the vehicle registered. No paper copy of the permit is required to park. The vehicles licence plate functions as the permit.

Before you begin

Before you purchase your permit you will need copies of the relevant documentation that will be uploaded during the application process.

If you are a homeowner, you will need:

  • Your tax roll number - this can be found on your latest tax bill, be sure to enter the number without periods and without the 2629 prefix

  • Your name as it appears on the tax bill - enter your name as it appears in all capital letters, if two names appear on your bill use the name that appears first

  • A copy of your vehicle registration(s) showing a St. Catharines address for the vehicle(s) you wish to purchase a permit for

  • The licence plate number for the vehicle(s) you wish to purchase a permit for

  • A credit card

If you are a tenant you will need:

  • Proof of residency in the form of a recent utility bill (mobile and phone bills accepted) or lease agreement; driver's licences and other forms of identification will not be accepted as proof of residency

  • A copy of the vehicle registration(s) for the vehicle(s) you wish to purchase a permit for

  • The licence plate number for the vehicle(s) you wish to purchase a permit for

  • A credit card

Watch our short how-to video to learn more about the application process. You can also consult our Beach Parking FAQ.

Apply Now

Frequently asked questions

Please consult our FAQ below for questions related to beach parking and resident parking permits. If you can't find an answer to your question email beachpasses@stcatharines.ca.
How can I apply for a resident parking permit?
Online at www.stcatharines.ca/BeachParking . You will be required to use an active email address and provide a password to set up your account. Permits are now virtual, paper permits will not be issued. Your virtual permit will be tied to your licence plate.
Who can purchase a permit?

Permits are available to any St. Catharines resident, with a limit of two per household. You must live within the City to receive a permit for $15 each. Both permits cannot be used in the same lot (Sunset Beach or Lakeside Park) at the same time.

Permits are open to residents only, individuals who reside elsewhere but own property in the City are not eligible and will not be issued a permit.

Why can't I have my two permitted cars at a beach lot simultaneously?

The City’s beach lots have very limited parking to supply all residents, businesses and visitors. Parking permits are limited to two vehicles per household without the ability to have two cars in either lot at the same time to try and encourage car pooling and maximize parking spaces so that as many people as possible can enjoy time at the beach.

What is required if I am homeowner in St. Catharines?

You must live at your St. Catharines address to be eligible. If you own your home, you will be required to:

  • Provide your tax roll number and your name (exactly as it appears on your tax bill, including capitalization, if two names appear enter only the name that appears first)
  • Submit a copy of your vehicle registration showing your St. Catharines address if you own your home.
  • Enter your vehicle plate number (Owners will be subject to a penalty notice if the plate number is entered incorrectly and possible additional charge to update correct information)
What is required if I am a Tenant in St. Catharines?

You must live at your St. Catharines address to be eligible. If you are a tenant you will be required to:

  • Submit a copy of your vehicle registration. A St. Catharines address is preferred but not required
  • Submit a recent (past month) utility bill or lease agreement proving residency
  • Enter your vehicle plate number. Owners will be subject to a penalty notice if the plate number is entered incorrectly and possible additional charge to update correct information.
What do parking permits provide?

Permits allow residents to park for $15 from May 1 to Sept. 30, with no time limit at the Lakeside Park and Sunset Beach Parking Lots. Starting 2023, Sunset Beach no longer has a 3 hour time limit. Lakeside Park continues to have a 3 hour time limit for those that DO NOT have a residential Parking Permit.

Permits will not provide for on-street / metered parking and do not guarantee a space when lots are full. Resident permits cannot be used to park in the Sunset Beach boat launch parking area.

Individuals with two permits cannot use both permits at once in either lot.

I had an account last year, how do I login?
  • Click the link on the website
  • Type in your username (your email address)
  • Type in your password
I forgot my password, I tried to reset my password and it still won’t work?

When you reset your password, make sure you follow the following:

  • Use 8 or more characters
  • Use a mix of upper and lowercase
  • Use letters and numbers
  • Use at least one special character (! @$#)
  • Do NOT use < or >

I tried to create a new account but can’t get past the first page

Make sure you didn’t have an account last year. If you did, don’t create a new account, login with your email and password. If you forgot your password, please reset it.

How will I know if my permit was approved?

You will receive a notification via email if your permit was approved or denied within five to seven business days. Make sure you check your junk mail.

Why was my permit denied? Will my credit card still be charged?

Your credit card will only be charged once your permit is approved. It appears as a pending transaction on your credit card until approved. If your permit application has been denied, there will be no charge to your credit card

Here are some reasons you may be denied:

  • Insufficient proof of residency
  • Missing Information (proof of residency, vehicle registration, etc)
  • A permit has already been issued under this address.
  • Not identified as Primary Residence
  • Commercial properties do not qualify

If you have any other questions on your denial of a resident parking permit, please contact beachpasses@stcatharines.ca for further information.

When is paid parking in effect at beach lots, when is the permit used?

From May 1 to Sept. 30 of each year.

How long does it take for me to obtain a permit?

Depending on demand it could take five to seven business days.

How do I pick up / obtain my permit?

Your vehicle licence plate is your permit. Once you receive an approval email, your permit is active.

My vehicle is not registered to my address, but I live in the City (I use a company vehicle, I use a parent from out of town’s vehicle, I use a caregiver’s vehicle, etc.)

Tenants are entitled to two permits per household, even if their vehicles are registered to a non-St. Catharines address. They must still submit the ownership for vehicles registered to the permit and also provide proof of residency alongside the ownership documents. Proof of residency could be a lease agreement or recent utility bill.

I only submitted one ownership but want to register / add another vehicle. 

You can log back into your account and add another vehicle for $15.

I submitted the wrong documentation, now what?

Your application will be denied and an email will be sent to you. You can sign back into your account and update your account with the correct documentation 

I need help applying for my beach parking permit using the new parking portal
Please call Citizens First at 905.688.5600 to help walk you through the process or consult our video walkthrough.

I own property in the City but do not reside in St. Catharines (I am a landlord)

Permits are being issued for residents only. Tenants, as residents of the City, are

entitled to the permit for the home / property.

I live in another Niagara municipality, and pay taxes to the Region, why am I

not entitled to a permit?

With the City moving forward on improvements to provide a safer and more enjoyable beach experience, the parking fees for non-St. Catharines residents are a way for these beach users to contribute to supporting the recreational infrastructure. Regional taxes do not support maintenance or investments into City beaches. Beaches remain free to access for all visitors and free parking is offered offsite with connections to beaches via sidewalks and trails.

Parking Fees:

Sunset Beach: $3 per hour, or $20 flat rate

Lakeside Beach: $3 per hour with a three-hour maximum

Exceeding time limits will result in a penalty notice.

I would like to launch my Boat/Seadoo at the Sunset beach Boat Launch, does my resident parking permit allow for this?

No. Resident beach parking permits are for vehicles parked in the main Sunset Beach lot and Lakeside Park lots and not valid in the boat launch area. Those with a trailer have a designated parking area near the boat launch. Both Residents and Non-Residents will be required to pay $3 per hour Sunset Beach: $3 per hour or $20 flat rate or apply for a boat launch season permit.

Boat Launch permits are $100 for the season (May 1 to Sept. 30) You can visit St. Catharines City Hall at 50 Church St. to pay and pick up your boat launch permit (trailer licence plate required)

I have a canoe/paddle boat (no trailer) do I require a season boat launch permit? 

No. Only those with a trailer are required to pay the parking fees or season launch permit fee. Those without a trailer can park at the beach lot using either a resident parking permit with no time limit or paying $3 per hour or $20 flat rate (Sunset Beach).

I don’t have a computer, email, and/or credit card, how do I apply for my Parking Permit?

Applying through the online portal with an email and credit card is the quickest way to obtain your permit – this method is strongly encouraged. If necessary, residents can come in person to the second floor of City Hall at the Parking Service Counter to apply with the help of a staff member. An email or phone number is recommended in order for the City to contact to you. Please ensure you have the necessary documentation required when you visit City Hall.

If you Own your Home and live in St. Catharines, please bring:

  • Identification
  • Vehicle registration

If you are a St. Catharines Tenant, please bring:

  • Identification
  • Vehicle registration
  • Lease or recent (past month) utility bill

Additionally, you can ask a friend or family member to assist you in applying online.

I am a Port Dalhousie business  located within the vicinity of the Lakeside Park lot, am I entitled to a parking permit?
Businesses in Port Dalhousie are entitled to two, $15 parking permits each. Businesses are required to come into City Hall to apply and pay for their permit at the second-floor parking service counter. The permit only exempts the vehicle from payment and time restrictions that are in place the Lakeside Park parking lot. It does not exempt the vehicle from parking within any other metered parking area or for a period extending longer than the posted time limit.
I am a Port Dalhousie Business located within the vicinity of the Lakeside Parking Lot, am I entitled to a parking permit?

Businesses in Port Dalhousie are entitled to two, $15 parking permits each. Businesses are required to come into City Hall to apply and pay for their permit at the second-floor parking service counter. The permit only exempts the vehicle from payment and time restrictions that are in place the Lakeside Park parking lot. It does not exempt the vehicle from parking within any other metered parking area or for a period extending longer than the posted time limit.

Why has the City introduced the $15 charge for resident permits?

In 2021 the City introduced paid parking at beach lots to help pay for maintenance and improvements of beaches, primarily recouping costs from out-of-town visitors whose taxes don’t support St. Catharines beaches. In 2021 a free beach pass for St. Catharines residents whose taxes support beach operations was introduced to ensure they can easily access beaches paid for through their taxes.

Upon reviewing the 2021 pilot permit program it was revealed significant resources were used to administer the program. Rather than spread those resource costs across the entire tax base, including those who don’t apply for a permit, the decision was made to charge a small administrative fee to cover the program’s costs solely from those who obtain a permit.

Beach Access remains free to everyone. There is a seasonal (annual) cost of $15 per vehicle to park at beaches for residents. Non-residents and those without permits are subject to parking rates of $3 per hour with a maximum length of three hours.  

What if I do not want to, or can’t afford, to pay for a permit or parking? What if I am an out-of-town visitor who wants to visit the beach for more than three hours?

Starting 2023, Sunset Beach no longer has a 3 hour time limit. Lakeside Park continues to have a 3 hour time limit for those that DO NOT have a residential Parking Permit.

Free offsite parking with no time limit is available near both Lakeside Park beach and Sunset Beach. Visitors can utilize active transportation connections to access beaches from these lots. Maps of offsite parking and trail connections can be found at stcatharines.ca/BeachParking

Alternatively, visitors can use public transit to access beaches.

I entered my name from my tax bill as it appears and the system is not accepting it?

Ensure the name is entered in all capital letters. Additionally, if two names appear on your tax bill use the one that appears first (on top)

Why is my tax roll number not being accepted?

Make sure you input your tax roll number without periods, and without the 2629 prefix at the start of the number.

I want to purchase a second permit but the system automatically used the credit card information from my first permit purchase, can I use a different card for each permit purchase?

At this time the system automatically uses the first card entered and tied to you account. A future update to the system will include the ability to use different cards for each purchase.

Sunset Beach boat launch parking

From May 1 to Sept. 30, our Sunset Beach boat launch parking is available at a cost of $3 per hour, or a daily flat rate of $20 maximum.

Individuals can also purchase a Boat Launch Parking Permit at a cost of $100 per season. Permits entitle holders to park, without an hourly or daily fee.

To purchase a permit please complete, print and sign our Sunset Beach Boat Launch Parking Permit Application and bring it with you to the Second Floor of City Hall. You will also need to provide a copy of your trailer(s)' registration alongside valid photo identification. 

Boat Launch Parking Permit Form

Paper forms are available on the second floor of City Hall.

Boat Launch Permit parking requirements

  • The Boat Launch Parking Permit is only valid
    • When displayed in the vehicle identifying the trailer plate it is issued to
    • For the specific period it has been issued
    • If the permit is clearly visible on the rearview mirror of the vehicle
  • The permit only exempts the vehicle from metered payments that are in place in the Sunset Beach boat launch parking lot. It does not exempt the vehicle from parking within any other metered parking area.
  • The permit does not reserve or guarantee a parking space.

 Sunset Beach Parking Map

Please consult the map below for specific locations of beach and boat-launch parking, alongside pay-and-display parking machines.

Free off-site parking

Check out the maps below for the free parking at off-site locations nearby both Sunset Beach and Lakeside Park. You can open the maps in full-screen mode using the toggle at the top right of the map. Open the legend side panel using the toggle at the top left to select trail and path connections between lots and beaches.

Sunset Beach off-site parking map

Lakeside Park off-site parking map

Accessible Parking Permits

Find information on accessible parking permits by viewing our accessible parking permits page. 

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