Motorists in Midland will soon be able to clear certain parking tickets without paying a cent — as long as they bring a toy or some food instead.
The Town of Midland is launching a Toys for Tickets holiday campaign from November 1 to December 4, 2026, according to a Town of Midland announcement. During the pilot program, drivers who receive eligible parking tickets can donate new, unwrapped toys or non-perishable food items valued at or above the amount of their fine, rather than paying the penalty.
All donations collected through the campaign will benefit the Salvation Army Midland.
"The holiday season is a time when many families in our community need a little extra support," said Mayor Bill Gordon in the announcement. "This pilot program gives residents an opportunity to support local families by resolving eligible parking tickets in a way that creates additional community benefit."
How to take part
Residents who want to participate must bring three things to the Town of Midland Municipal Office during the campaign period: the eligible parking ticket, the donation items, and proof of purchase showing the value of what they're giving.
Town staff will collect the donations and deliver them to the Salvation Army once the campaign wraps up on December 4. Full program details and eligibility requirements are available at midland.ca/ParkingTickets.
A pilot with room to grow
Toys for Tickets programs have already been adopted by other municipalities in Simcoe County and elsewhere, and Midland is following their lead on a trial basis.
The town says running the initiative as a pilot will let staff gather data on how well it works. They will report back to council at a future date with recommendations on whether the campaign should continue in future holiday seasons.
For now, the program gives Midland drivers a two-month window to turn a parking fine into something a local family can put under the tree or on the dinner table this winter.
