The City of Ottawa is contemplating a proposal to permit places of worship to rent out parking spaces in anticipation of a surge in commuter traffic during the upcoming fall season. The potential zoning adjustment would be applicable to churches, mosques, and other religious establishments in the downtown area and those situated within a 600-meter radius of rapid transit stations.
City officials anticipate a notable increase in traffic volumes in the fall due to ongoing city expansion, the return of more federal public servants to offices, and the resumption of classes. They highlight that many places of worship possess large parking areas primarily used during peak weekend attendance, remaining largely vacant throughout the week.
The proposed amendment would cover all places of worship within the designated zones, with individual property owners retaining the choice to lease their parking spaces. Additionally, the zoning modification would extend to six city-owned facilities:
– Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex at 1490 Youville Dr.
– Brewer Park Complex at 196A Hopewell Ave, 100 Brewer Way, and 151 Brewer Way
– Jim Durrell Recreation Complex at 1265 Walkley Rd
– Trillium Recreation Complex at 2030 Ogilvie Rd
– Pinecrest Recreational Complex at 2250 Torquay Ave
– Sandy Hill Arena at 50 Mann Ave and 60 Mann Ave.
These measures are intended to be temporary and set to expire by next April. The proposal has been forwarded to the city’s planning and housing committee for review, slated for discussion on August 19. Pending approval, the proposal will proceed to the city council for a final decision.
City officials plan to assess the effectiveness of these temporary measures in early 2027. Places of worship located within 600 meters of rapid transit stations are also included in the scope of the proposal to allow leasing of parking spaces.