As Ottawa’s summer festivals wind down, residents and visitors should prepare for significant changes to evening parking in two of the city’s most vibrant districts. Beginning this October, the familiar routine of free evening parking in the ByWard Market and Little Italy will become a thing of the past, with the city implementing new paid parking hours until 9 p.m.
The changes, approved by City Council last December as part of Ottawa’s 2023 budget, will extend paid parking by three hours in these high-traffic areas. Currently, parking meters stop charging at 6 p.m., but starting this fall, visitors will need to keep feeding those meters until 9 p.m.
“This change reflects the evolving needs of these vibrant neighborhoods,” explains Councillor Laine Johnson, who represents Rideau-Vanier ward where the ByWard Market is located. “These are areas with peak activity during evening hours, and managing parking demand helps ensure turnover for businesses while encouraging sustainable transportation options.”
The parking extension affects approximately 460 on-street parking spaces in the ByWard Market area and about 155 spaces along Preston Street in Little Italy. Regular parking rates will apply during these extended hours, with fees currently set at $3.75 per hour in the ByWard Market and $3.50 per hour in Little Italy.
Some Preston Street business owners have expressed mixed feelings about the change. Maria Constantini, who has operated Café Milano for over 15 years, worries about potential impacts. “Our dinner rush really picks up after 6 p.m., and I’m concerned some customers might think twice about coming if they have to pay for parking during their entire meal.”
However, others see potential benefits. James Wong, owner of Little Italy Boutique, believes the change might actually improve customer access. “Finding parking during evening hours has been nearly impossible because people park all evening without moving. Paid parking could increase turnover, meaning more customers can actually find spots.”
The Ottawa Parking Services team has confirmed that enforcement hours will also be extended to match the new paid parking schedule. Parking control officers will monitor these areas until 9 p.m., issuing tickets to vehicles without valid payment.
City staff estimate the extended hours will generate approximately $400,000 in additional annual revenue. These funds are expected to support transportation infrastructure and services in the affected areas.
For residents concerned about these changes, the city offers alternatives. The OC Transpo system serves both neighborhoods with frequent service, including routes 6 and 14 to the ByWard Market and routes 11 and 85 to Little Italy. Both areas also feature dedicated cycling infrastructure, with the city recently installing additional bike parking racks.
“I’ve been covering Ottawa’s transportation shifts for nearly two decades now,” notes veteran traffic reporter Thomas Klein. “This change follows similar patterns we’ve seen in other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Montreal, where downtown evening parking fees have become standard practice.”
The changes come as part of broader efforts to manage Ottawa’s downtown mobility issues. According to the city’s Transportation Master Plan, on-street parking management is considered a key tool for reducing congestion and supporting local businesses by ensuring parking turnover.
Community consultations regarding these changes occurred during the 2023 budget process, but some residents feel the implementation details weren’t adequately communicated. The Preston Street BIA has requested additional signage to ensure visitors are aware of the new regulations before receiving unexpected tickets.
For those who still prefer to drive, several options remain available. Both neighborhoods offer municipal parking garages with evening rates that may prove more economical for longer stays. The ByWard Market garage on York Street offers evening flat rates, while the Preston Street municipal lot provides an alternative to street parking.
City officials recommend that regular visitors consider using the PayByPhone app, which allows for remote payment and sends reminders when parking time is about to expire.
As someone who’s covered Ottawa’s community developments for years, I
