Downtown Parking

Residents will be required to register their vehicles online annually to continue parking for free in Downtown Elora. 

Paid Parking Zones in Elora  

Who Can Apply:

Residential Property Owners (Centre Wellington)

• Eligible for up to two parking exemptions.

Tenants (Centre Wellington)

• Eligible for up to two parking exemptions.

Commercial Business Owners (Elora Central Business District)

• Eligible for up to ten exemptions for non-resident employees.

1. Time Limits Still Apply

The exemption waives parking fees only. All posted time limits remain in effect:

• Zone 1: 3-hour limit
• Zone 2: 24-hour limit

2. Multiple Trips Per Day — With Time Limits

If you are a Centre Wellington resident, you can park in the paid parking zones more than once per day. However, Zone 1 still has a strict 3-hour maximum, no matter how many times you return.

• Zone 1 = Short Stays Only - Even if you leave and come back, the 3-hour limit still applies per visit.  Switching spots within Zone 1 does not reset the clock.
• Zone 2 = Best for Longer Parking.  Residents can park for longer periods in Zone 2, provided it does not extend beyond 24 hours.  Zone 2 does not follow the 3-hour limit.

3. Use Zone 2 for Longer Stays

Zone 1 is intended for short-term parking. When possible, please park in Zone 2 for extended stays. In Zone 2, the "One Exemption Per Day" rule does not count, as Zone 2 is intended for longer stays.

4. Vehicle-Specific Exemptions

Exemptions apply only to the vehicle(s) registered. They cannot be shared, transferred, or used by other vehicles.

5. Eligibility Verification

Applicants must be:

• a Township resident, or
• a non-resident employee of a qualifying downtown business.
  The Township may request proof at any time.

6. Keep Your Information Updated

You must notify the Township of any changes to:

• address
• vehicle details
• employment status

7. Misuse of the Program

The Township may suspend, revoke, or permanently ban a vehicle from the program if:

• misuse is suspected, or
• false information is provided.

8. No Guarantee of Parking Availability

Exemptions do not reserve or guarantee a parking space in any zone.

9. All By-laws Still Apply

Parking and traffic by-laws—including winter restrictions and fire route rules—remain fully in effect.

• All applications are subject to review.
• Processing may take up to 2 weeks.
• Until approved, you must continue to pay for parking in both Zone 1 and Zone 2.
• You will receive an automated email once your exemption has been approved.

During winter storms, the Township may temporarily suspend parking exemptions.
Vehicles interfering with snow-clearing may be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense.

The registration system is regularly monitored. Any abuse may result in the revocation of exemption privileges for the associated residence or business.

The Paid Parking Program will include two distinct parking zones:

• Zone 1: Paid parking with high turnover (3-hour time limit).
• Zone 2: Paid parking for longer-term parking (current by-law: up to 24 hours).

Residents can register their vehicles online here annually to continue parking for free in Downtown Elora. Registration can be completed online or in person at the Municipal Office during regular business hours. To register, residents must provide their license plate number.

Residents would be exempt from paying for parking in Zones 1 and 2; however, they will still be required to adhere to the Highway Traffic Act and Parking By-law regarding time restrictions, etc. Otherwise, tickets will be provided.

Paid parking is $3.00 per hour, with a daily maximum of $15.00 in Zone 2 (equivalent to half of the 10 hours in which paid parking is enforced each day).

Paid parking is in effect seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The current year-round Parking Enforcement Program will continue, as approved by Council.

3-hour time-restricted parking will be enforced in downtown Fergus as outlined in the map.  The 3-hour area was expanded slightly on St. Andrew Street East, east of Gowrie Street.