Dozens of tickets issued for no-stopping violations around Ottawa Bluesfest

The City of Ottawa installed "Special Event - No Stopping" signs on streets around LeBreton Flats for Ottawa Bluesfest. July 2025 (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

Dozens of drivers hit a sour note with Bylaw Services officers around LeBreton Flats during Ottawa Bluesfest.

The City of Ottawa implemented parking restrictions around the Bluesfest site during the nine-day festival, including temporary no-stopping areas.

Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services tells CTV News Ottawa 313 tickets were issued for parking in the ‘Special Event – No Stopping Zones’ between July 9 to 19.

“During Ottawa Bluesfest from July 9 to 19, Bylaw and Regulatory Services (BLRS) conducted targeted parking enforcement in areas surrounding festival activities to support traffic flow and reduce congestion, and ensure emergency access, pedestrian safety, and neighbourhood accessibility,” Jake Gravelle, chief of Bylaw and Regulatory Services, said in a statement.

“Strategic enforcement during large-scale events helps support a safe and accessible experience for residents, visitors, and festival attendees. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we maintained the safety and mobility of traffic throughout the festival.”

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 456 tickets to vehicles parked in the ‘Special Event – No Stopping – Tow Away’ zones, and another 359 tickets for other parking infractions.

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

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App