[DSCToronto]

Here are the minutes

PA15.11 - Parking Access Revenue Control Systems (PARCS) Contract Award Negotiation Selection​

Decision Type: ACTIONStatus: AdoptedWards: All

Confidential Attachment - Contains a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial, or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the City or Toronto Parking Authority, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization.​

Board Decision​

The Board of Directors, Toronto Parking Authority:

1. Provided authority to the President, Toronto Parking Authority, to select for contract award negotiations, and if negotiations are successful, execute and enter into a contract with the selected proponent in accordance with the protocols established in the procurement documentation and per the evaluation as set out in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 27, 2025) from the President, Toronto Parking Authority, to supply PARCS hardware and software solutions under RFP-PARCS-202407 for all applicable off-street locations, in an amount as set out in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 27, 2025) from the President, Toronto Parking Authority.

2. Directed that Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (June 27, 2025) from President, Toronto Parking Authority remains confidential in its entirety, as it relates to a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial, or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the Toronto Parking Authority, which if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization.

Decision Advice and Other Information​

The Board of Directors of the Toronto Parking Authority recessed its public meeting to meet in closed session to consider the item as it pertains to a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial, or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the Toronto Parking Authority, which if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization.

Origin​

(June 27, 2025) Report from the President, Toronto Parking Authority

Summary​

This report seeks Board authorization to select for contract award negotiation the highest-ranked proponent from the Toronto Parking Authority’s (TPA) competitive Request for Proposal (RFP-PARCS-202407), for the supply and implementation of a modern, integrated Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS).

The current PARCS platform is more than 25 years old, end-of-life, and technologically obsolete. It operates in isolation from Toronto Parking Authority’s other parking systems, including the Green P mobile app, Pay-by-Plate machines, and ungated surface lots, resulting in significant operational inefficiencies limiting our ability to deliver a consistent, seamless customer experience across the network.

Critically, these limitations present a significant barrier to delivering Toronto Parking Authority’s broader strategic objectives and have been identified as one (1) of the organization’s top four (4) enterprise risks under the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework; specifically, the risk associated with aging parking equipment.

De-risking our operating platform is critical not only to Toronto Parking Authority’s core operations, but also to position the organization for long-term sustainable growth in the competitive marketplace. As a multi-modal mobility operator with established channels in Parking, EV charging, and Bike Share, Toronto Parking Authority is uniquely positioned to become a leading provider of integrated, mobility solutions in Toronto. Modernizing the PARCS is a foundational step toward this vision. Our proposed next-generation PARCS platform will significantly enhance the parking experience for both individual (B2C) and commercial (B2B) users by delivering seamless digital access, real-time functionality, and integrated permit and payment systems.

Strategically, the modernization of PARCS will allow Toronto Parking Authority to future-proof its business model by shifting growth weighting from traditional infrastructure to scalable, technology-enabled platforms. It enables Toronto Parking Authority to expand its role within the broader mobility-as-a-service ecosystem integrating parking with EV charging, Bike Share Toronto, and ultimately, higher-order transit services such as TTC and GO Transit. Failure to act will limit the Toronto Parking Authority's capacity to partner with public and private sector partners in our eco-system.

Operationally, the implementation of a modern PARCS platform will streamline internal workflows, reduce manual processing, and improve service reliability through automation and remote monitoring. These efficiencies will translate into reduced operational costs, fewer customer service issues, and an improved ability to manage increasingly complex parking environments. At the same time, the platform’s data-driven capabilities will support evidence-based decision-making in real time, enhance our asset management practices, and contribute to Toronto Parking Authority’s broader digital transformation and environmental sustainability objectives.

This investment will establish a long-term strategic collaboration with a globally recognized vendor, bringing proven technology, innovation capacity, and implementation expertise. This relationship will enable Toronto Parking Authority to implement innovative mobility solutions, adapt to changing market demands faster, and deliver better outcomes for our customers and city.

Background Information​

(June 27, 2025) Report from the President, Toronto Parking Authority on Parking Access Revenue Control Systems (PARCS) Contract Award Negotiation Selection
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2025/pa/bgrd/backgroundfile-257161.pdf
Attachment 1 - Probity Report (Non-Confidential Component)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2025/pa/bgrd/backgroundfile-257162.pdf
Confidential Attachment 1 - Evaluation

Communications​

(July 17, 2025) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (PA.New)

Motions​

Motion to Defer Item moved by Councillor Frances Nunziata (Lost)
That consideration of the item be deferred until the next meeting of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Parking Authority.

Members that voted Yes are Maureen Farrow, Paula Fletcher, Frances Nunziata
Members that voted No are Zeshan Khan, Hartley Lefton (Chair), Ruth Uy, Namby Vithiananthan

Motion to ADOPT:

Members that voted No are Maureen Farrow, Paula Fletcher, Frances Nunziata
Members that voted Yes are Zeshan Khan, Hartley Lefton (Chair), Ruth Uy, Namby Vithiananthan

 

[T3G]

Spotted an interesting poster on the subway today. This is the first time I've seen a North American institution take a definitive stance on bad behaviour and risk upsetting some people, rather than hemming and hawing and generally treading on eggshells about it. Are we sure this poster was officially sanctioned? And if so, can we get whoever made it to work as a retail manager?

 

[Jonny5]

View attachment 670240

Spotted an interesting poster on the subway today. This is the first time I've seen a North American institution take a definitive stance on bad behaviour and risk upsetting some people, rather than hemming and hawing and generally treading on eggshells about it. Are we sure this poster was officially sanctioned? And if so, can we get whoever made it to work as a retail manager?

They have bought out a chunk of advertising time on Rogers Sportsnet streaming for this, and it's so annoying.
It's the exact same look of that poster shown on the screen, but each of those lines comes up one at a time, but there is also a really loud barking/growling dog in the background and it pops up in pretty much every single ad break (because Rogers has trouble selling ads on that platform so they recycle the same ads over and over every single commercial break.)

 

[evandyk]

I've been getting it through Amazon Prime streaming too. It basically alternates between this and an ad for a Wendy’s sandwich with Takis inside.

 

[DSCToronto]

News Release

August 1, 2025

City of Toronto celebrates graduation of 40 new Traffic Agents to enhance congestion management

Today, the City of Toronto welcomed 40 new Traffic Agents who will support the City's efforts to manage traffic congestion and keep Toronto moving.

The new graduates completed a comprehensive training program and were recently appointed as Special Constables by the Toronto Police Services Board, empowering them to actively manage traffic under the Highway Traffic Act.

Traffic Agents are a critical part of Toronto’s Congestion Management Plan (https://can01.safelinks.protection....pRJ4BONv9U9YtO7vnoGxSVpxXlr2Djpww=&reserved=0) and play a key role in managing traffic congestion by:

- preventing drivers from blocking intersections (“blocking the box”),

- encouraging pedestrians not to cross when the pedestrian signal displays the red hand,

- ensuring cyclists follow the rules of the road, and

- discouraging drivers from illegally stopping or parking including for deliveries or passenger pick-up and drop-off.

The City now has 60 Traffic Agents who are deployed to some of Toronto’s most congested intersections during the morning and afternoon peak periods to manage the safe movement of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

More Traffic Agents are currently completing their training and the City is on target to reach its goal of 100 Traffic Agents by the end of the year.

Additional information about the Traffic Agent program is available on the City’s website: https://can01.safelinks.protection....WcODrWFr5yph3OndRW09EzXAGegKwDNNI=&reserved=0

 

[Jonny5]

- discouraging drivers from illegally stopping or parking including for deliveries or passenger pick-up and drop-off.

"Discouraging" is an interesting word there. I assume that ultimately means they cannot really do anything about it other than flag a police officer down if available, so the ride share drivers will learn to simply ignore the Traffic Agents, or tell them flat out they don't care, then I suspect the Traffic Agents will quickly become apathetic to that scenario and stop bothering to even try to "discourage" at all, and focus on other things they can actually do.

 

[zang]

The City now has 60 Traffic Agents who are deployed to some of Toronto’s most congested intersections during the morning and afternoon peak periods to manage the safe movement of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

More Traffic Agents are currently completing their training and the City is on target to reach its goal of 100 Traffic Agents by the end of the year.

Seriously, they could park one at Church & Bloor permanently, thanks.

That's one of the worst corners in the north side of Downtown. A year ago, when my daughter was old enough to walk herself to school, I told her to be very careful of that corner. There's always a driver doing something dangerous or illegal there.

A year later (and note, I walk through that intersection every day, often multiple times), and I've yet to be wrong. If it isn't blocking the box, it's running a red, blocking crosswalks, ignoring pedestrian advances, cutting off cyclists… You name it, a driver will do it.

 

[zang]

"Discouraging" is an interesting word there. I assume that ultimately means they cannot really do anything about it other than flag a police officer down if available, so the ride share drivers will learn to simply ignore the Traffic Agents, or tell them flat out they don't care, then I suspect the Traffic Agents will quickly become apathetic to that scenario and stop bothering to even try to "discourage" at all, and focus on other things they can actually do.

Pretty sure "Special Constable" means they have the right to issue tickets.

 

[guavadelic]

Column from TVO relaying findings from a CivicAction report that outlines how workers are being priced out of Toronto...

ANALYSIS: Workers are being priced out of Toronto. Can we reverse course?​

A forthcoming report from the Toronto-based advocacy group CivicAction makes for grim reading: households earning $52,000 to $104,000 per year are functionally being price-segregated out of the GTHA due to high housing costs. Worse still, the cost of new construction is so high — due to a combination of direct and indirect taxes, land costs, and labyrinthine planning processes — that it’s impossible for the market to deliver new homes at costs that would bend rents and home prices back down. According to the report, at every stage of the homebuilding process, from land assembly to planning to construction, the math simply no longer works to deliver affordable homes.

…that people earning between 60 and 120 per cent of the region’s median income — that $52,000 to $104,000 figure — represent a kind of “missing middle” in the region’s politics. They’re both too poor to afford homes in Toronto while also being too wealthy to get substantial relief from government programs.

Squeezed by costs and unable to find affordable housing, many of them are simply leaving the region outright for more affordable places. And those who stay struggle while they work many of the jobs that the economy depends on.

https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-workers-are-being-priced-out-of-toronto-can-we-reverse-course

In addition to shedding light on well-known cost drivers of housing (lengthy planning processes, large development charges, etc), the report also examines the possibility of governments encouraging public and private pensions to make more patient capital available to residential developers so that new homes don't need to offer the highest possible financial returns.

 

[Admiral Beez]

"Discouraging" is an interesting word there. I assume that ultimately means they cannot really do anything about it other than flag a police officer down if available, so the ride share drivers will learn to simply ignore the Traffic Agents, or tell them flat out they don't care, then I suspect the Traffic Agents will quickly become apathetic to that scenario and stop bothering to even try to "discourage" at all, and focus on other things they can actually do.

What we need is a public enforcement system. Since there is zero allowed reason to be illegally stopping or parking including for deliveries or passenger pick-up and drop-off, anyone with the relevant TPS app should be able to photo and upload the scofflaw's details.

 

[T3G]

I don't really think promoting vigilante justice is in the best interests of our city.

 

[Northern Light]

Column from TVO relaying findings from a CivicAction report that outlines how workers are being priced out of Toronto...



https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-workers-are-being-priced-out-of-toronto-can-we-reverse-course

In addition to shedding light on well-known cost drivers of housing (lengthy planning processes, large development charges, etc), the report also examines the possibility of governments encouraging public and private pensions to make more patient capital available to residential developers so that new homes don't need to offer the highest possible financial returns.

The TVO piece itself isn't bad, as far as it goes, but avoids actually addressing the issues head-on for the most part.

When you combine it with the underlying reports from Civic Action, its better.

They accurately address that if you did everything on every developer's dream list, you would barely make a dent in middle-class affordability and none at all in lower middle and low income affordability.

While this certainly highlights the need for additional rent-geared-to-income housing, there is simply no way to build enough to meet demand over the next decade and probably not the next two.

They then mention income supports, which are certainly part of the question too.

But they give short shrift to the fact that lower tier wages must rise, substantially.

Whereas the studies show, if you don't earn at least $52,000, roughly $26 per hour, you can't be housed in market housing, and that can be the case for people earning up to 2x that if single, or having to cover costs of a child/dependent etc.

In light of that, a minimum wage of under $18 per hour is literally insane.

Raising the wage to $26 may not be feasible, at least in the near term; but getting it to $22 is surely essential.

We need policy actions that are comparatively quick and easy to do, and ideally not too costly.

On Social Assistance, as meager as the rates are, ($733 per month for Ontario Works to meet all your needs) even doubling them doesn't connect people to market housing.

Which is not an argument against a substantial increase, but suggests that won't be a big part of the answer, and it will be hugely expensive.

What we could do quickly is:

1) Stop telling people how to to spend their OW payment (shelter vs other living expenses) and let people spend it how they need to.

2) Stop penalizing people on assistance who get a job............if you earn as little as $200 per month, your payment is reduced by .50c for each dollar you earn. That's punishing people for trying.

Income should be calculated quarterly or annually, not monthly. On an annual basis there should be no clawback until you exceed $20,000 in earnings ($5,000 per quarter)

The clawback rate should be reduced to no more than .40c on the dollar, and maybe less for the first $10,000 (say..30c) so that work pays.

***

The report also notes that we continue to have a problem with poverty among the elderly/retiree group, notwithstanding that this is our wealthiest cohort.

A low-income earning senior, reliant on GIS, may get only $2,000 per month in total support. Given what housing costs in Toronto, that doesn't work either. But we can't raise taxes infinitely, and this means we must clawback OAS from high income earners and give that money to low-income seniors instead.

Civic Action Report, here:

https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67acbab7affa53cde4244d69/687f94cb3d88bd5185963e3b_CivicAction_paper_1_The%20Why_final_web%20(4).pdf

 

[Admiral Beez]

I don't really think promoting vigilante justice is in the best interests of our city.

It wouldn't be necessary if we eliminated the incentive to park illegally, that of convenience with zero accountability. It's the very low odds of receiving a ticket, and in the case of commercial deliveries a meaningful ticket that causes illegal parking.

 

[just east of the creek]

Column from TVO relaying findings from a CivicAction report that outlines how workers are being priced out of Toronto...



https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-workers-are-being-priced-out-of-toronto-can-we-reverse-course

In addition to shedding light on well-known cost drivers of housing (lengthy planning processes, large development charges, etc), the report also examines the possibility of governments encouraging public and private pensions to make more patient capital available to residential developers so that new homes don't need to offer the highest possible financial returns.

Toronto could be looking at other large cities around the world for models as most larger cities struggle with this same problem. London is one. Paris another. UT keeps touching on these problems in various threads, and there are solutions, but the political action needs to match the political rhetoric, and the pol;itial action needs backbone. One good example would be the recent and ongoing six plex discussion (and council vote) and the strong mayor powers that the mayor of toronto refuses to use to enact reforms that would benefit those at lower income levels who live (or wish to live) and work in the city.

As I've noted before, only semi tongue in cheek, I believe that any mayor with strong mayor powers, should immediately enact zoning changes to enable by right any lot containing a back split or side split single family or duplex dwelling to be rezoned for a four plex or six plex with all the good design features we wish - set backs, transit proximity, parking controls, bike lockers, environmental i.e. energy retention and generatio, design features for seniors on ground floors etc

 

[Towered]

What we need is a public enforcement system. Since there is zero allowed reason to be illegally stopping or parking including for deliveries or passenger pick-up and drop-off, anyone with the relevant TPS app should be able to photo and upload the scofflaw's details.

How are they supposed to pick up riders?