Parking prices will increase in seven areas of Ottawa in August

Ottawa’s parking fees will increase by $0.5 to $1 in seven areas starting in August. But those increases could be revised downward 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 pricing system based on demand.

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 ideal point.

If the occupancy rate falls below this threshold for two consecutive periods, the cost of parking will be reduced. If it increases, prices 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 the turnover rate needs to be increased –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 within this target zone, that is, between 50 and 85%, we will keep the rates at the same level. But if they are too high, that is, if they exceed the 85% zone, this indicates that we need to increase the turnover rate – the market needs to respond to this demand.he explained.

No exception for Westboro

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

The problem is only getting worse as the 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 Area of 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

Ms. Vaino pleaded before the elected representatives of the Transport Committee that businesses in the sector are in difficulty. She fears that paid parking in Westboro will push customers toward spacious, free parking 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.

To get to work in Westboro, you sometimes have to take a bus, then another bus, then another bushe illustrated. We’re going to introduce paid parking. It will be harder for staff to find a spot in the neighborhood to go to work in stores and restaurants. But in exchange, we’re going to offer them a train. And it’s almost here.

The motion of 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 neighborhoods which do have one”,”text”:”You have heard what we could call resentment or the recognition of a certain inequality between a commercial area very dynamic in Hintonburg, on Wellington Street West and Westboro which does not have paid parking today, and the neighborhoods which do”}}”>You have heard what might be called resentment or recognition of a certain ‘inequality’ between a very dynamic commercial area in Hintonburgon the street Wellington West and Westboro which does not have paid parking today, and the neighborhoods that dohe commented. Wellington West and Neighborhood Westboro be treated differently from other areas of the city.”,”text”:”I think it would be difficult for many councillors to encourage Wellington Street West and the Westboro neighbourhood to be treated differently from other areas of the city.”}}”>I think it would be difficult for many councilors 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 indicated he would vote in favor of paid parking when the issue comes to a final vote by city council.

According to him, companies overestimate the damage caused by paid parking. As the 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 not be implemented until the second quarter of 2025.

With Arthur’s information White-Crummeyof CBC News