Parking prices to increase in seven Ottawa areas in August

The price of parking in Ottawa will see an increase of 0.5 to 1 dollar in seven sectors starting in August. But these increases could be revised downwards in the future.

Motorists passing through Ottawa should expect increases in parking fees, but also… decreases. Adjustments are already planned for 11 of the city’s 20 parking zones.

In August, fares will increase by 50 cents in six zones and decrease by 50 cents in four others. In one of them, the price will increase by one dollar. The market By and the city center are particularly affected by these increases.

However, they could be revised downwards in the future, depending on traffic. The city council is currently studying a new demand-based pricing system.

Presented to the Transportation Committee this week, it calls for staff to review municipal parking rates twice a year with the goal of keeping parking occupancy rates between 50 and 85 percent, which the services director parking lot of the City of Ottawa, Scott Caldwellcall him sweet spot.

If the occupancy rate falls below this threshold for two consecutive periods, the cost of parking will be reduced. If it increases, the rates will be revised upwards.

et 85%, we will keep the prices at the same level. But if they are too high, that is to say if they exceed the 85 zone%, this indicates that it is necessary to increase the turnover rate –the market must respond to this demand”,”text”:”As long as we remain in this target zone, that is to say between 50 and 85%, we will keep the rates at the same level. But if they are too high, that is to say if they exceed the 85% zone, this indicates that the turnover rate must be increased – the market must respond to this demand”}}”>As long as we stay in this target zone, that is, between 50 and 85%, we will keep the rates at the same level. But if they are too high, i.e. if they exceed the 85% zone, this indicates that the turnover rate must be increased – the market must respond to this demandhe explained.

No exception for Westboro

City staff conducted a study that found high demand for parking along the path Richmond and the street Wellington West, often frustrating drivers looking for a space.

The problem is only getting worse as a lack of visitor parking in new buildings pushes more cars onto the street.

During peak hours, we notice that there are not enough places availablerecognizes Mr. Caldwell. We don’t want parking to be crowded. We want to make sure that there are on average one or two spaces per block, or per two blocks, so that the next person who comes into the neighborhood can find a place to park their car.

According to him, by setting the price of these places at three dollars per hour, this would increase the City’s revenue, while freeing up places.

The Vice President of the Business Improvement Zone Wellington West, Elsbeth Vaino, believes that paid parking is causing a lively debate in the neighborhood.

Nobody wants it in our industry. We haven’t heard any members in favour of it. We’ve heard many, many people opposed to it.

Free parking, a competitive advantage

Vaino told the Transportation Committee that businesses in the area are struggling. She worries that paid parking in Westboro will drive customers to the free, spacious lots in the suburbs.

She’s especially worried about retail workers who don’t have reliable transportation options to get to work on time without a car.

The city councilor of SomersetAriel Comfortsexplained that she did not know what to answer to the companies of Chinatownjust to the east, who ask him why the street Wellington West has free parking and they don’t.

The same story from the municipal councilor of Knoxdale-Merivale, Sean Devine.

Any business in any other neighborhood where customers and staff have to pay to park would see what you are asking as a competitive advantagehe replied to Mrs. Vaino.

Kitchissippi City Councilor, Jeff Leiperwhose constituency includes the street Wellington West and much of Westboro, proposed a motion to delay the implementation of paid parking until the westward light rail extension provides customers and employees with a reliable option.

Getting to work in Westboro sometimes involves taking a bus, then another bus, then another bus.he illustrated. We are going to set up paid parking lots. It will then be more difficult for staff to find a place in the neighborhood to work in stores and restaurants. But in exchange, we will offer them a train. And this one is almost here.

Mr. Leiper was rejected by eight votes to three.

Parking problem overestimated, says councillor

After the defeat, the Kitchissippi city councilor told reporters he was not surprised by the outcome of the vote.

Hintonburg, on the street Wellington West and Westboro which does not have paid parking today, and the neighbourhoods that do”,”text”:”You have heard what you might call resentment or recognition of a certain ‘inequality’ between a very dynamic commercial area in Hintonburg, on Wellington Street West and Westboro which does not have paid parking today, and the neighbourhoods that do”}}”>You have heard what we could call resentment or recognition of a certain inequality between a very dynamic commercial area Hintonburgon the street Wellington West and Westboro which does not have paid parking today, and the neighborhoods that dohe commented. Wellington West and the neighborhood Westboro be treated differently from other neighborhoods in the city.”,”text”:”I think it would be difficult for many councilors to encourage that Wellington Street West and the Westboro neighborhood be treated differently from other neighborhoods in the city. “}}”>I think it would be difficult for many councillors to encourage that the street Wellington West and the neighborhood Westboro are treated differently from other areas of the city.

But even without this delay, Mr. Leiper said he will vote in favor of paid parking when the issue comes up for a final vote by the city council.

He says businesses are overestimating the damage caused by paid parking. As more towers are built, more customers will move into the area and be able to walk to stores, he believes.

I am not as skeptical as some traders who believe that this will devastate our commercial area.

M. Leiper rejected the argument that parking is free in the suburbs, saying landlords tend to pass the cost on to their tenants, who in turn charge higher prices to their customers.

There is no such thing as free parking! he said.

If the city council approves the proposed plan, paid parking in Westboro and on the street Wellington West will only be implemented in the second quarter of 2025.

With Arthur’s information White-Crummeyof CBC News