Ottawa's paid parking program generated a mere $2.5 million surplus in 2025, a figure that represents a rounding error in the city's $7 billion budget, according to an analysis of the Parking Services 2025 Annual Report by columnist Brigitte Pellerin. The report outlines five objectives for the Municipal Parking Management Strategy, including providing secure parking, supporting businesses, promoting active transportation, fixing residential parking issues, and generating revenue. However, Pellerin argues that the program's costs nearly offset its revenues, leaving minimal net benefit.
Revenue and Expenses Breakdown
In 2025, total parking revenues reached $19.62 million, an 8.8 percent increase from 2024. However, operating expenses totaled $17.13 million, including $1.57 million for administration, $710,000 for studies, $7.43 million for off-street parking, and $7.42 million for on-street parking. After expenses, the surplus was approximately $2.5 million, with $1.3 million directed to the parking reserve fund. Pellerin noted, "It’s a lot of effort to generate what amounts to a rounding error in a municipal budget of about $7 billion."
Mixed Results on Other Objectives
Pellerin also critiqued the program's performance on other goals. Regarding residential parking issues, she highlighted persistent problems near Westboro construction sites, where parked cars on both sides of streets have gone unaddressed for three years. On short-term parking to support businesses, she observed difficulty finding spaces even with two-hour limits. The report indicates that peak daytime occupancy rates in optimized zones ranged from 0 to 100 percent, suggesting room for improvement. For active transportation, the city installed 116 new bike racks, six secure bike lockers, and six bike repair stations, with $400,000 allocated annually for bike parking through 2026 and beyond.
Call for Reform
Pellerin concluded that the program is not worth the effort unless the city charges significantly more or reduces costs. She stated, "I don’t think it’s worth it unless we charge a lot more or spend a lot less or both." The analysis questions the overall effectiveness of Ottawa's paid parking strategy, suggesting a need for reevaluation.
