Orillia drivers have less than a month before the city's overnight winter parking restrictions take effect, meaning no more leaving the car on the street overnight until spring.

From Nov. 15 to April 15, parking is prohibited on most City streets and in municipal parking lots between midnight and 7 a.m., regardless of the weather, according to a City of Orillia notice. Vehicles found parked during those hours may be ticketed and towed.

The rules are slightly different downtown, where overnight parking — both on the street and in designated municipal lots — is banned from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. over the same period.

Seasonal permits available for select lots

For residents who don't have a driveway, the city offers a limited number of overnight winter parking permits. They're available for select parking lots in West Ridge and in downtown Lot #5.

Permits cost $375 plus HST and are non-refundable. They're valid from Nov. 15, 2026 to April 15, 2027, and allow parking from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

One feature may appeal to households with multiple drivers: permits aren't tied to a licence plate and can be shared, which the city says makes them convenient for family members, visitors and overnight guests.

Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability, and residents must complete the application process to get one.

Driveway boulevards stay open year-round

Residents who need off-street overnight parking have another option that doesn't require a permit. The city allows year-round parking in the boulevard — the strip of a driveway between the sidewalk and the roadway.

There are conditions, though. Vehicles must be parked at least 1.5 metres back from the sidewalk and at least 1.5 metres back from the roadway.

The overnight restrictions are a fixture of winter in Orillia, keeping curbsides clear so plows can clear streets and sidewalks after snowfalls. Because the ban applies regardless of conditions, drivers can't count on a snow-free night to leave a vehicle out.

Anyone who regularly parks on the street overnight — including those with work shifts or guests staying over — will want to sort out alternative arrangements before the rules kick in on Nov. 15.