A proposal tied to Ottawa’s 2026 budget would give city staff the authority to sharply increase parking rates at 15 city-owned lots. The plan would allow staff to raise the maximum hourly rate at municipal garages to as high as $8, a 23-percent jump for some lots. The daily maximum could also rise to $26. While the rate changes will not automatically go into take effect in 2026, the city will have the flexibility to adjust parking prices based on seasonal and market demand. Some of the busiest municipal lots in the city’s core could have their prices changed, such as the Clarence Street parking garage, the Dalhousie and Clarence garage, and the Second Avenue lot in the Glebe, along with waterfront lots at Petrie Island and Mooney’s Bay. Businesses in the Byward Market say they depend heavily on convenient, affordable parking to bring in customers who make short, frequent stops. Pat Nicastro, owner of La Bottega, a well-known Market staple, worries a spike in rates could discourage people from coming downtown. “I understand the reasoning because right now it’s very cheap to park in the market, generally those are the cheapest parking garages around and we’re happy about that,” Nicastro says. “If they want to increase it a bit, I think that’s going to be okay, but let’s really not try to scare anybody from coming down here.” The city says the proposal is about giving staff the tools to manage demand, especially during the busiest periods of the year. But, for businesses that rely on foot traffic, even the possibility of steeper parking fees raises concerns. “We need daytime business, it’s important to us,” Nicastro adds. “We’ve had some issues, Hudson’s Bay closing, certain other things closing in the area so, we need as much help as we can get and we’re hoping the city, keeps these parking spots open, especially at street level, it’s very important for us.” The 2026 draft budget was tabled on Nov. 12 and councilors will vote to finalize the budget on Dec. 10.
