What counts as a recreational vehicle
Under the Traffic and Parking By-law, a recreational vehicle (RV) includes motor homes, travel trailers, tent trailers, campers mounted on trucks, and boats on trailers. Detached trailers and campers are not considered RVs for parking purposes and cannot be parked on city streets or alleys at any time.
On-street parking rules
If you do not have a front driveway, you may park an RV on the street directly in front of your home. The following rules apply:
- Maximum stay: three consecutive days on the street.
- Required break: the RV must be moved off-site (to storage or a campground) for at least 48 consecutive hours before returning to the same street.
- Safety clearance: the RV must not block visibility at intersections, crosswalks, playgrounds, or traffic signs, and it must not obstruct the movement of other vehicles.
During the overnight on-street parking ban from December 1 to March 31, standard winter maintenance rules apply. Check the Winter Maintenance and Parking By-law for snow route restrictions.
Front driveway parking rules
If your property has a front driveway, you may park an RV there under these conditions:
- From April 1 to October 31: You may park an RV on your front driveway for up to three consecutive days. After that, it must be removed for at least 48 consecutive hours.
- From November 1 to March 31: Parking an RV on the front driveway is not permitted due to snow clearing and winter maintenance needs.
- Clearance: the RV must stay at least one metre away from the sidewalk. It must not block intersection corner visibility or sight lines.
Storing RVs on private property
The Zoning By-law allows you to park or store an RV in a side yard setback or backyard on your residential property. There are no time restrictions for off-street storage on private property, provided the RV does not block intersection sight lines or create a nuisance.
Fines and enforcement
Violating these parking rules can result in a fine starting at $250.00 under the Provincial Offences Act. If an RV is parked illegally on a public roadway for more than 72 consecutive hours, it may be tagged and towed at the owner's expense. The By-law Enforcement team patrols residential streets and responds to complaints.
How to file a complaint
If you see an RV parked illegally on a public street or driveway, report it to help us keep neighbourhoods safe and clear. Please be ready with the property address, the exact location of the vehicle, and a brief description of the violation. Anonymous complaints cannot be accepted.
- Call 311 from inside the city, or 519-555-0100 from outside.
- Email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Can I park a detached trailer or camper on the street?
No. Detached trailers and campers are not permitted on city streets or alleys at any time. They must be parked in a garage or on private property that meets setback requirements.
What counts as a "front driveway"?
A front driveway is the paved or gravel path leading from the street to a garage or carport on the primary face of your home. It does not include side or rear driveways.
How long can I keep an RV parked on my property before it is considered abandoned?
If a vehicle is parked on a public roadway for more than 72 consecutive hours without being moved, it may be reported as abandoned and towed. Moving the vehicle off-site for 48 hours resets the clock.
Where can I find the full by-law text?
You can view the full Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-075 on the City's by-law search portal, or pick up a printed copy at the Provincial Offences Court desk.