And another decision based on business pressure despite no evidence it's even needed. Solving a problem that doesn't exist.
Everyone absolutely needs to be able to park at the front door of the business, but also, the entire parking garage should have a time limit so people feel pressured to leave the Market. Time limits on street parking isn't enough.
None of this is "simpler and more convenient for visitors". I don't like having to guess how much time I'll be somewhere and then get nervous and feel rushed the entire time I'm at a restaurant or shopping. Parking where you pay as you exist is far easier and makes for a less stressful experience.
If they had a time limit for the first level only, that would be fine. But this, especially having to pay in advance, might actually keep me away from the Market.
Quote:
New rules at ByWard Market parking garage begin on Monday
Josh Pringle, CTV Ottawa
Updated: March 24, 2026 at 3:10PM EDT
A popular parking garage in Ottawa’s ByWard Market will change to a three-hour pay-and-display system next week, as the city looks to encourage vehicle turnover in the tourist area.
As part of $200 million plan to revitalize the ByWard Market, the city is turning the parking garage at 70 Clarence Street into a three-hour pay-and-display lot.
The parking lot will no longer use gate arms and exit tickets, and visitors will have to purchase a ticket through the pay-and-display machine or via an app.
“This change will make parking simpler and more convenient for visitors. It will also help increase the availability of short-term parking through more turnover, making it easier for visitors to find a spot in the ByWard Market,” the city said.
“Those parked with a displayed valid accessible permit will be able to park for up to four hours free of charge at this municipal parking lot.”
The parking lot will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the three-hour time limit will be in effect between 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The hourly rates will be:
- $4 per hour Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- $3 per hour on Sunday and during all evening and overnight periods (7:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.)
- Overnight maximum rate of $8 (7:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.)
The current “morning special rate” of $2 for anyone arriving after 6 a.m. and leaving before 11 a.m. will no longer be available.
The long-term plan for the parking garage is to transform the lot into an “anchor legacy arts hub” as the building nears the end of its lifespan.
The new three-hour pay-and-display system
The city outlines how to use the new system
- Drive into the garage as there are no gates.
- Pay for parking as soon as you arrive using the PayByPhone app or a Pay & Display machine located inside the garage. If using a machine, remember to put your payment stub on the dash of your car so it is visible.
- After paying, you can leave when you are ready. There is no exit gate.
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https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/new-rules-at-byward-market-parking-garage-begin-on-monday/
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