With spring and summer on the way, the City of Richmond Hill has made free 2026 parking passes available for Lake Wilcox Park to local residents. Paid parking will be in effect from April 1 to September 30, 2026, and residents can apply online for a resident permit tied to a specific licence plate — one pass per household — starting now.
Lake Wilcox Park, known for its waterfront views and family-friendly amenities, is designated as one of the city’s “Destination Parks,” drawing visitors from across the Greater Toronto Area. The paid parking system is intended to help ensure that non-residents contribute to the costs of park monitoring and maintenance. During peak months, parking and street restrictions will also apply on surrounding residential streets, with street permits available for nearby neighbours.
While many local residents welcome the opportunity to visit Lake Wilcox, the way access to the park is structured highlights a broader issue: car dependency. Despite being a natural space within the community, Lake Wilcox Park — like many parks in suburban and urban settings — is essentially designed to be reached by car. There are limited options for those who might prefer to walk, bike, or use public transit, and the requirement for a parking permit or paid spot, even for residents, underlines how much access to this public space depends on vehicle use.
In the past, some people have questioned why permits are required just to park beside a park that many see as a public refuge for walking and enjoying nature. These conversations often point to a tension between managing limited parking and ensuring that green spaces remain genuinely accessible to everyone, not only those who drive