Its supply and demand... there is very little on-street parking left in toronto, so they can charge alot, and then also fine alot to keep the turnover quick. Its way way worse in Paris, where there are twice as many cars in half as many spaces; and you're paying in euros too. Its just another luxury tax on automobiles and is one of the few alternative ways cities have to raise money short of begging the provinces, setting up toll highways (not a bad idea but political suicide) or totally rearranging the property tax system. Cars are damaging to the enivironment, people and the physical fabric of the city and should be rightly gouged for it if they don't park where they are told.