The Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) is seeking a partner for a new loyalty program, but acknowledges the potential for a conflict of interest involving one of its executives.
According to the TPA, the loyalty program began in 2024, and the first phase was awarded to KPMG. However, the TPA's Vice-President Adamo Donatucci's hiring last year sparked controversy and raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Donatucci's spouse works for a top firm in the loyalty program space, although the company has not been named. The TPA stated that it is aware of the potential for a conflict of interest, and will identify any such conflict following the close of the request for proposals. The TPA will then follow its procurement policies and procedures.
The hiring of Donatucci was initially questioned by two city councillors, Paula Fletcher and Frances Nunziata, who lost two key votes on the matter. A legal review of Donatucci's hiring was conducted by the firm Blake, Cassels and Graydon, which found no cause for concern. However, the review did note that the TPA was accused of "covert recruitment and onboarding" of a senior executive during the procurement process.
The idea of a parking loyalty program is not new, with Park'N Fly and Buffalo Niagara International Airport already offering rewards programs. A Canadian online trade journal published an article in 2022 highlighting the benefits of customer loyalty programs for parking facilities.
Donatucci's salary with the TPA was around $100,000 in 2025, although he had only been on the job for part of the year. His fellow vice-presidents earned significantly more, with salaries ranging from $300,000 to over $500,000, plus benefits.
