Finding Parking in Liberty Village
Parking in Liberty Village can be a challenge, especially during weekday business hours and on TFC game days at BMO Field. The neighbourhood's grid of converted industrial streets—Liberty Street, Hanna Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, and Mowat Avenue—was never designed for the density of condos and offices that now fill the area. Understanding the lay of the land is your best defence against circling blocks endlessly.
Street Parking
Most residential streets in Liberty Village have metered or permit-based parking. Along East Liberty Street and Lynn Williams Street you will find Green P pay-and-display meters that typically cap at three hours during the day. Rates hover around $3 per hour, which adds up fast if you are commuting daily. After 9 PM and on Sundays, many meters become free, though always double-check the signage because the City of Toronto occasionally changes rules.
Jefferson Avenue and Fraser Avenue still have pockets of free two-hour street parking, but competition is fierce during the lunch rush when workers from the surrounding offices spill out. If you arrive before 8 AM you have a decent shot at a spot on Fraser Avenue north of Liberty Street.
Permit Parking
Residents can apply for an annual on-street parking permit through the City of Toronto. The permit covers designated zones around Mowat Avenue and parts of Hanna Avenue. The cost is roughly $200 per year, which is a bargain compared to renting a private spot. However, permit holders are not guaranteed a space—it simply allows you to park without feeding a meter. During events at Exhibition Place or Lamport Stadium, even permit zones fill up quickly.
Private Lots and Garage Rentals
Several condo buildings along East Liberty Street and King Street West rent out surplus underground parking spots. Expect to pay between $150 and $250 per month depending on whether the spot is indoor or outdoor. The Liberty Market Building area has a small surface lot that charges a flat daily rate, useful for occasional visitors. Apps like SpotHero and Rover list available spots in the neighbourhood; checking them weekly can uncover deals when residents travel.
Game Day and Event Parking
When Toronto FC plays at BMO Field, streets around Strachan Avenue and Manitoba Drive become permit-only or no-parking zones starting two hours before kickoff. Parking enforcement is aggressive, and towing is common on Hanna Avenue near the stadium approaches. Your safest bet is to park north of King Street West and walk south, or better yet, take the 504 King streetcar. The same advice applies during large events at Exhibition Place or concerts at Budweiser Stage.
Tips for Condo Dwellers
If you are buying a condo, verify whether the unit comes with a parking spot—many newer builds along Lynn Williams Street sell them separately for $50,000 to $80,000. Visitor parking in most buildings is limited to a handful of spots, so warn guests to use the Green P lot on East Liberty Street. Some buildings enforce strict rules about oversized vehicles, so if you drive a truck, confirm clearance heights before signing.
Cycling as an Alternative
Liberty Village is compact enough that many residents ditch the car entirely. Bike Share Toronto stations dot the neighbourhood, including locations at Liberty Street and Hanna Avenue, and at the foot of Strachan Avenue. Swapping even a few car trips per week for cycling can save you hundreds of dollars in parking costs annually.