New rules at ByWard Market parking garage begin on Monday

The City of Ottawa's parking garage at 70 Clarence Street in the ByWard Market will be converted to a pay-and-display lot starting March 30. (Andrew Adlington/CTV News Ottawa)

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.”

• 7 things to know about the plan to revitalize the ByWard Market

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.