Bylaw Services officers issue dozens of parking tickets around Ottawa Bluesfest

The City of Ottawa has installed "Special Event - No Stopping" signs on streets around LeBreton Flats for Ottawa Bluesfest. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

Some drivers hit a sour note with Bylaw Services officers during the opening few days of Ottawa Bluesfest, as dozens of tickets were handed out for parking violations around LeBreton Flats.

The City of Ottawa has implemented parking restrictions on streets around the Ottawa Bluesfest site, including temporary no stopping areas.

Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services (BLRS) tells CTV News Ottawa that 163 tickets for “No Stopping-Special Event” violations were issued between July 10 and July 16 in the area around LeBreton Flats.

“BLRS reminds motorists to carefully check for posted signage before attending the festival, as temporary parking restrictions have been implemented to accommodate increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic,” Roger Chapman, director of Bylaw and Regulatory Services, said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa. “Keeping these routes clear is essential to ensure access for emergency vehicles and to help maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all festivalgoers.”

The fine for stopping in no stopping area is $130, with an early payment option of $110.

• Here’s what you need to know about Ottawa Bluesfest

Festivalgoers are encouraged to take public transit, cycle or walk to LeBreton Flats for the nine nights of music during Ottawa Bluesfest.

Ticketholders can board OC Transpo buses and the O-Train for free up to three hours before and two hours after the concert.

There is no parking available at LeBreton Flats and the Canadian War Museum for people during Bluesfest.

Ottawa Bluesfest wraps up on Sunday.

The City of Ottawa sets up “Special Event – No Stopping – Tow Away” zones during events like Bluesfest and the Canadian Tulip Festival due to increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic and to ensure emergency vehicle access to sites.

During the Tulip Festival in May, Bylaw Services officers issued 1,416 tickets to vehicles illegally parked around Dows Lake and Little Italy.