As Milton moves forward with a pilot program allowing residents to park their vehicles overnight in designated parks, Halton Police have provided safety recommendations to address concerns about auto theft in the area.
Coun. Sameera Ali said during last week’s meeting that she consulted with Halton Police Chief Steve Tanner on the program from a safety standpoint.
According to Ali, Chief Tanner said that for the initiative to be effective, vehicles should be parked in well-lit areas, as good lighting serves as a significant deterrent to thieves. He also recommends the parking spots not be too isolated and remain close to the roadways. Additionally, the installation of CCTV cameras would enhance safety.
It was also pointed out that auto theft risk can vary depending on the type of vehicle.
Meanwhile, Ali highlighted the issue of residents using their garages for storage rather than parking. “It is a huge fire concern, and it really scares me to think about how garages continue to be used as storage areas,” she said. “Please think twice before you turn that into a storage area.”
The overnight parking pilot program is set to launch in spring 2025, with approximately 400 parking spots across the following parks, each ward offering about 100 permits:
- Brian Best Park (north and south) — Ward 1
- Bronte Meadows Park — Ward 1
- Scott Neighbourhood Park (east lot) — Ward 1
- Sherwood District Park — Ward 1
- Laurier Park — Ward 2
- Clarke Neighbourhood Park (north and south) — Ward 2
- Lions Park (east lot) — Ward 2
- Cobban Neighbourhood Park — Ward 3
- Beaty Neighbourhood Park (south lot) — Ward 3
- Coates Neighbourhood Park (north and south) — Ward 3
- Ford Neighbourhood Park — Ward 4
- Optimist Neighbourhood Park — Ward 4
- Milton Community Park — Ward 4
- Sunny Mount Park — Ward 4
- Willmott Neighbourhood Park — Ward 4
Permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at a cost of $60 per month.