On-Street Parking Rates Increase & City Warns of Fraudulent QR Code

Whether you’re planning to dine out, catch a movie, attend a REDBLACKS game, or visit the Parliament buildings, be aware that the City of Ottawa has implemented increased on-street parking rates in seven key areas, moving to a demand-based pricing model.

The hourly street parking rate has increased to $4 in Chinatown, King Edward, ByWard Core, Downtown, Glebe South, and Little Italy South, reflecting a 50-cent increase per hour. On-street parking on Ruskin Road, which runs east to west, north of the Civic Hospital, will now cost $4.50 per hour.

The city collects data twice a year to determine if peak occupancy is being reached in each of the city’s 20 on-street parking zones. If occupancy is greater than 85 percent for two consecutive periods, rates are increased to encourage parked car turnover. Conversely, if a parking zone is underused, less than 50 percent capacity over two consecutive periods, the parking fee is decreased by 50 cents.

Currently, rates will decrease in four zones—Rideau, Terminal, Holland Cross, and Vanier—while the cost of parking will remain unchanged in 11 zones.

The City of Ottawa also released an alert for anyone using the 650 on-street Pay & Display machines. Fraudulent QR code stickers have been applied to some machines, directing users to a fake PaybyPhone App. City staff are inspecting all of the machines to remove the fraudulent QR codes and are asking residents who see one to call 3-1-1 so that it can be removed. To ensure you do not fall victim, download the official app for iPhone and Android or visit PayByPhone.com.

ABOVE: Image showing the fraudulent QR code that city employees are actively removing from all Pay&Display street parking machines. Courtesy: The City of Ottawa