The City of Ottawa is installing Pay and Display meters in Westboro and Wellington West, with operations set to begin in September. While some might see this move as a tax grab, it actually stems from the Kitchissippi Parking Study Update, approved by City Council in July 2024.
The study found that paid street parking encourages turnover, which supports local businesses and improves both environmental impact and neighbourhood safety by reducing “cruising”—when drivers circle the block in search of a spot.
In a press release, the city states, “These updated measures advance the goals of the Municipal Parking Management Strategy (MPMS) by applying consistent criteria to improve short-term parking availability in support of businesses, institutions, and tourism, while also harmonizing parking hours citywide to create a more consistent and positive experience for residents and visitors alike.”
At a May 2025 Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting, representatives from the Glebe BIA voiced concerns that paid parking could deter customers. However, Councillor Ariel Troster pushed back, emphasizing that the city is “following data, not impressions,” and highlighted that parking patterns are reviewed twice a year.
Of note, if monitoring shows consistent shifts in demand, the City of Ottawa’s Parking Services team can recommend reducing paid parking hours. Paid on-street parking will only continue during evenings or weekends where demand remains high. According to city policy, when on-street parking occupancy in an area drops below 50 per cent, the city considers removing paid parking altogether.
Ottawa also has a policy guiding how any surplus revenue from parking is used. Profits support the Municipal Parking Management Program and are reinvested into initiatives that encourage sustainable transportation—such as EV charging stations and bike parking—as well as maintaining roads, sidewalks, and Park & Ride lots.
To align with other high-demand areas in the city, paid parking hours in Westboro and Wellington West will be harmonized with revised times across Ottawa.
Here’s the City of Ottawa’s full list of upcoming on-street parking 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
For more information about on-street parking, please visit ottawa.ca/parking.
Photo: OLM staff
