City of Ottawa by-law revenue up over four per cent between 2018 and 2019

The City of Ottawa’s by-law revenue jumped about 4.6 per cent between 2018 and 2019, generating slightly over $29,808,950 in revenue in 2019 for the city, Ottawa Matters has learned.  

According to statistics provided by the City of Ottawa, by-law answered 98,202 calls, ranging in complaints relating to parking, animals, curbside collection and noise, among others. 

That’s up from 86,560 calls from 2018 — or about a 13.4 per cent increase — in calls to 3-1-1.

A look at the overall calls across the City of Ottawa. Graphic/Dani-Elle Dubé

“Revenue includes that generated through business licenses and permits, parking enforcement, pet registration and pet sterilization services,” Alison Sandor, public information officer at by-law and regulatory services., explained. “These revenues are used to recover the costs of administration, enforcement and inspections and associated supporting programs and services.”

November was the busiest month for calls to by-law in 2019, with the most calls involving ward 12 (Rideau-Vanier), followed by ward 14 (Somerset). 

Number of calls pertaining to parking enforcement and control by ward. Graphic/Dani-Elle Dubé

But when it came to parking tickets in 2019, however, most of the tickets were issued in January — 36,156, to be exact. In 2018, that month was February with 33,839 tickets given out.

“Traditionally, a greater number of tickets are issued during the months of December, January and February due to overnight winter parking bans,” Sandor said.

Top five reasons people were ticketed for parking infractions between 2018 and 2019. Graphic/Dani-Elle Dubé

The most common reason people were issued a ticket was for parking over their time limit, which scored them a $60 set fine (or $40 if they agreed to an early payment). 

This was followed by parking in “no parking” areas. This infraction cost drivers $80, or $60 if they paid early.

Ottawa by-law calls by the numbers. Graphic/Dani-Elle Dubé