One of the largest and most popular parking garages in the ByWard Market is implementing a new pay system starting Monday morning, a decision that is receiving mixed reactions from drivers and businesses. The garage at 70 Clarence Street is switching to a three hour pay-and-display system, affecting parking for 290 vehicles and six accessible spots. The move is part of a $200 million dollar plan to revitalize the ByWard Market and to encourage turnover for those visiting the area. There was a line-up of vehicles waiting to enter the parking garage on Sunday, with many drivers unaware of the new system. Drivers currently take a ticket when entering the garage and are charged based on how long they park with no limit to how long they can stay. “That’s terrible because I work at Warehouse and it’s only three hours. Obviously, that’s pretty not beneficial for a lot of people,” said Sarah Wilson, who was parking at the garage. Driver Gabriela Luna added, “Shoppers usually come for a longer time and if you want to do the walks around the gallery and Kiweki Point, three hours might not be enough.” On Monday morning, the gates at the building will be gone and replacing it will be the new pay system, where drivers will have to pay using a machine or app. The three-hour maximum rate will be in effect between 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. “We found that there were people who were parking there and weren’t necessarily shopping in the ByWard Market, even though they were working at one of the government buildings or working at the Global Affairs building and walking,” said Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante. “We want to encourage people who want to park in the market to also shop in the market, stay in the market and eat in the market.” Joshua Savoie’s business is next to the garage and thinks it’s a good idea. “Hopefully, it can get more people into the parking garage, people coming to do their shopping and then leaving more quickly to make more room,” he said. Savoie says he hopes the change will improve the parking situation downtown. “We already have so many clients that come in and say I used to come to the market all the time, but there’s just no parking and I never come down here anymore,” he said. Others who work in the Market are not thrilled with the idea. “I usually have eight-hour shifts, so it’s kind of inconvenient for me because I’d have to move my car,” said Mya LaCavera, who works nearby. The new system will also eliminate the morning special of $2 for anyone arriving after 6 a.m. and leaving before 11 a.m. The city unveiled the ByWard Market Action Plan last month, outlining short-term and long-term plans for the popular tourist area.
