Parking StudiesByWard Market and Downtown Rideau areaOttawa City Council has directed staff to follow through on a number of initiatives and practices that are key to the implementation of the City’s Municipal Parking Management Strategy, approved by City Council in April 2009. Two significant Local Area Parking Studies were initiated in the fall of 2009 to examine parking needs and to track changes in parking supply and demand in the central area of Ottawa, east of the Rideau Canal:
These are the first studies of this breadth and scope to follow the newly approved Local Area Parking Study methodology. This work will take place at the same time as an update of the 2005 Central Area Parking Study (for areas east of the Rideau Canal). The results will help guide the process of finding better ways to meet the parking needs of residents, businesses, visitors and other stakeholders. The City hired an external firm, iTrans Consulting, to conduct the survey work. They collected data with respect to parking usage of on-street parking spaces and off-street parking (public and private lots). Information regarding parking supply was gathered for short-term visitors/customers and for longer-term residents/employees, and included:
(i.e. long-term resident or employee parking, short-term visitor/customer parking). Parking occupancy was observed hourly for each surface lot, garage and on-street space. Surveys took note of the use of disabled parking permits. Data collection was conducted in September and October 2009, and the findings are currently being consolidated and prepared for presentation to stakeholders in March 2010. Additional information on the studies will be provided to the public as this project progresses. Questions or concerns should be directed to: Rob Orchin |
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