Toronto police using public plaza as parking lot for cruisers without city's permission
Toronto police vehicles are again parking in a public plaza in front of a downtown police station without the city's permission — leaving a former city councillor who fought the practice 20 years ago calling for a permanent solution.
Olivia Chow recalls her motion in 2001 that resulted in a report calling police parking in the square off Dundas Street in front of 52 Division “illegal” — and says it’s a shame the practice has resumed.
“It’s about time. It needs to be solved. It’s a bit of an eyesore,” Chow said. “Where’s Joni Mitchell when you need her? We’re not turning that park into a parking lot, no no no.”
On Tuesday, five police vehicles sat parked behind fencing off Dundas Street. A handful of people sat on a bench eating lunch behind a police SUV.
Commandeering the lot is the 52 Division Unit Commander’s solution to his force’s parking problem. The back parking lot is full. Parking in designated street parking on the West side of the building causes backups amid construction, the force says, and amid the need to have access to the vehicles in an emergency, he decided to put the vehicles in the plaza.
“This allows for the use of the plaza by the public while addressing local traffic concerns,” TPS spokesperson David Hopkinson said in a statement. “It is not ideal but it does strike a balance between the two issues.”
TPS admits they didn’t ask anyone for permission, even from the city, which owns the property. A city spokesperson told CTV News it is “reviewing the history of this location and liaising with Toronto Police Service with an intent to better understand uses of the space as well as its current status, and other potential parking considerations.”
A photo shows police officers parking their personal cars on the property on one day in September. The TPS says that day, their parking lot was under construction.
That’s something that would get any other business involved a ticket and a tow, says lawyer David Shellnutt.
“We’re congested. It’s a busy space. But if the people who are supposed to lead by example aren’t doing that, it’s going to set a terrible example for people across the city,” Shellnutt said.
Police parking comes and goes in the space. Google’s street view shows cars parking there in September 2020. Before that it seems to be a public plaza as far back as construction in 2012. Before that, to 2007, police cars again appear behind fencing.
In 2001, an interim report issued by the city calls the practice “illegal parking in front of 52 Division”, saying the building is set back some 20.5 meters along the frontage of Dundas Street West.
“This setback area is comprised of trees and planter boxes and the boulevard is constructed with interlocking pavers and is frequently used for parking. This parking is not legally authorized. Access is currently gained by an existing ramp off St. Patrick Street although it appears that the vehicles may also be crossing the sidewalk on Dundas Street West to gain direct access,” it reads.
Chow said she hoped the city would explore ‘out of the box’ solutions, from finding a lot nearby to rent, all the way to using the air rights above the building to find a way to get affordable housing in the floors above and a larger police station and parking facilities below.
“Create lots of space. That could be a solution,” Chow said. “Or put more on bikes. The best way is to work together with the community and city hall and celebrate community policing.”
When CTV News visited the plaza, one police car was parked in the spaces that were deemed disruptive — it was the parking enforcement vehicle.
Even if the spaces on the East side can be used, TPS said it’s not planning to vacate the plaza yet, saying another building is slated to be under construction soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.