City changes on-street parking access in busy neighbourhoods

While the City of Ottawa works to expand its transit system, many commuters and travelers are still relying on individual vehicles. As a result, the city is making changes to parking access in some of its busiest neighbourhoods to ensure consumers can access local businesses.

“Ottawa is home to many vibrant destination areas, with popular restaurants, pubs, and unique shops and boutiques,” a release from the city states. “When people visit these areas, they will often see the streets already lined with parked cars and no available spots in sight. Finding parking then becomes a frustrating and daunting task that can make people reconsider their visit.”

To combat the problem, the city is introducing changes to paid on-street parking to deal with high demand.

In July 2024, City Council approved the Kitchissippi Parking Study Update which collected occupancy data to determine high demand during daytime and the weekends. As a result, start times, time limits and weekend hours were designed to reflect the area’s local business hours and activity patterns.

The city is now looking to expand these measures to the neighbouring Westboro and Wellington West.

---

But it isn’t just the city’s northwest neighbourhoods that will be dotting new parking access. The following neighbourhoods will also face changes:

Little Italy South:

• Paid on-street parking extended from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on weekday evenings 
• Paid on-street parking added on Saturdays from 10 am to 7:30 pm  

ByWard Market and surrounding areas:

• Paid on-street parking added for weekday evenings and Saturdays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm 

Glebe South:

• Paid on-street parking hours will be extended from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on weekday evenings where peak demand is high 

Downtown (north of Nepean Street):

• Paid on-street parking added until 5:30 pm on Saturdays 

Vanier and Rideau Streets:

• Paid on-street parking removed on Saturdays 

---

“By encouraging turnover of parking spaces, paid on-street parking increases your chances of finding a spot near your destination, especially during peak times,” the city says. “This also boosts foot traffic to businesses and encourages economic activity, while reducing frustration and traffic caused by drivers searching for parking.”

The city says the measures advance the goals of the Municipal Parking Management Strategy. Revenues from the parking fees will be re-invested back into the Municipal Parking Management Program to cover operational and lifecycle costs of the program.

Revenues will also help to promote sustainable modes of transportation, through the EV charging network and bike parking, as well as make significant transfers in support of road and sidewalk maintenance.

Changes are expected to be implemented come the fall.