‘Low season’ parking in effect in Cobourg: What you need to know
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
“Low season” parking is now in effect, meaning residents and visitors can get their first three hours of parking free across the Town of Cobourg until May 14, 2027.
The Town of Cobourg’s municipal enforcement and licensing office has confirmed the shift was effective Sept. 15, 2026.
“Earlier this year, the town’s parking program was divided into two seasons: High season – (from) May 15 to September 14 – and low season – (from) Sept. 15 to May 14,” explained municipal staff.
However, parking enforcement continues 24/7, noted staff.
“During low season, parking in waterfront parking lots and on-street spaces is free for the first three hours, after which the rate is $2.50 per hour or $20 per day,” said staff, in a recent public notice.
The waterfront parking is the big change for the two “seasons,” as during the “high season,” waterfront parking is $5 per hour or $40 a day. And there no free parking in these lots or on these designated streets.
However, amid several changes in recent years, parking rules have become a tad more complicated and confusing at times based on more than the time of year and where you’re parking or where you live, et cetera.
In case you need a refresher, the Town of Cobourg is again breaking down the rules.
DOWNTOWN PARKING:
Year-round, downtown parking is free for three hours and after this, rates jump to $2.50 per hour for both on-street and parking lots. Paying for additional time can be done at the pay-and-display machines or meters or through the HONK mobile app, noted staff.
PARKING PERMITS:
As for parking permits, people can buy them via parking.cobourg.ca or at 201 Second St. (the municipal law enforcement and licensing services office) and Victoria Hall during regular business hours, which are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Staff said that two vehicles can be registered on one parking permit, and both vehicles can utilize the permit at the same time.
Here’s an additional breakdown based on where you live:
If you’re a Cobourg resident looking for a parking permit, it’s $10 monthly year-round. This permit is valid for downtown and waterfront lots and on-street parking, as well as includes overnight parking in lots and on-street downtown year-round, explained staff.
Meanwhile, if you’re a Northumberland County resident, permits cost $40 a month.
Again, with these permits this means residents have access to on-street parking, as well as downtown and waterfront lots. However, overnight parking is only permitted in lots, noted staff.
As for DBIA employee permits, it’s $20 a month year-round and these permits are for downtown parking lots only, and do not include waterfront designated areas.
The priciest parking relates to visitor waterfront permits. According to town staff, during the low season, it’s $35 a month and in the high season, it’s $80 a month. Meanwhile, a seasonal pass during the high season costs $320.
These permits are valid for parking strictly in waterfront parking lots and waterfront on-street areas. The permits are not for downtown and do not include overnight parking, reiterated officials.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING:
Accessible parking is free for Cobourg residents who have registered for an annual accessible permit and includes both “accessible and other lawful parking spaces.”
Visitors or non-residents are required to pay applicable parking rates, and accessible on-street parking spaces have a three-hour time limit, noted staff.
OVERNIGHT PERMITS:
Staff are also reminding the public that overnight parking is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., and overnight permits are available for use in all municipal lots. Costs translate to about $10 per night, or an overnight monthly permit is $100.
The town also continues to maintain a map and brochure that is available for people via www.Cobourg.ca/parking. Printed brochures are also available at municipal buildings such as Victoria Hall, 201 Second St., the Cobourg Public Library, Experience Cobourg Tourism Hub, and Cobourg Community Centre.
Residents with further questions are encouraged to contact the municipal law enforcement and licensing services office by calling 905-372-8380 or emailing bylawenforcement@cobourg.ca.
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