Guelph launches ‘3-for-free’ downtown parking program
Posted Aug 15, 2026 06:59:40 AM.
Last Updated Aug 15, 2026 06:59:45 AM.
Guelph residents in the downtown area will now be able to enjoy an added hour of free parking in selected areas through a newly announced promotion.
The change was made on Aug. 13, with the goal of encouraging both in-town and out-of-town residents to visit the downtown area. The city has called this new program “3-for-free”. It gives drivers three hours of free parking, instead of the previous two hours that were given. However, new three-hour parking is only available in specific areas and at certain times.
What’s being affected
- Macdonell Lot: Free three-hour parking, all day, seven days a week.
- Market Parkade: Free three-hour parking all day, every Thursday and Friday
Though, these changes aren’t permanent. The “3-for-free” promotion is scheduled to end on Oct. 31, 2026, where parking will go back to being free for two hours in the affected areas.
In order to claim the 3-hours of free parking, the City of Guelph says you must register your vehicle to the HONK mobile app or the on-site payment station.
In their news release, Guelph added that event parking rates do apply during Guelph Storm games.
More information about the promotion can be found here.
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