Instead of paying your parking ticket this holiday season, do this instead

An Ottawa Bylaw Services officer prints off a parking ticket on Monday, Aug. 25. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa)

‘Tis the season of trading in parking tickets for a donation to a community cause.

After a day of holiday shopping between Nov. 15 and 29, if a parking ticket awaits, instead of paying it, Innisfil residents have the option of giving back to the community either in a donation to the Troy Scott Community Fridge or the Innisfil Food Bank.

The Town of Innisfil says Scrooge the Ticket campaign is a way of giving families a break around the holidays while simultaneously helping those in our community who need it most.

“Scrooge the Ticket has become an annual holiday tradition that helps bring joy and relief to families in our community,” says Mayor Lynn Dollin. “I’m grateful to our Municipal Law Enforcement Officers for their compassion in leading this initiative and to our residents for their generous support.”

The donation, which must be the same dollar value as the parking ticket, can be either monetary, a food item, or toy. A receipt is to be presented with the item for proof that the donation was equal value to the cost of the parking ticket.

Almost $8,500 was collected in 2024. Since the campaign began in 2014, it has raised $42,000 in total.