Getting around the City

Holders of a valid accessible parking permit (APP) are entitled to special parking privileges in public parking areas and on public roadways. Ottawa residents with temporary or permanent disabilities can obtain an application for an accessible parking permit (APP) by calling ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097 or by contacting your local ServiceOntario centre.

Who is eligible?

Any person who holds an accessible parking permit (APP) is eligible. The City of Ottawa honours valid accessible parking permits, licence plates, markers, or devices bearing the international symbol for access, for permit holders from other jurisdictions.

Getting or replacing an accessible parking permit (APP)

Ottawa residents with temporary or permanent disabilities can obtain an application for an accessible parking permit (APP) by calling ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097or by contacting your local ServiceOntario centre.

How to use your permit

Your permit must be displayed on the dashboard or sun visor of the vehicle in a way that the permit number and expiry date are clearly visible.

On-street privileges

Time limits are extended to four (4 ) hours at Pay & Display machines and elsewhere where parking is permitted, regardless of the time limit posted on the signs.

Parking at Pay & Display machines is free.

Vehicles may be parked up to four (4) hours in "no parking" zones. Permit holders may be picked up and dropped off in "no stopping" and "loading" zones, as well as in reserved bus lanes and reserved bicycle lanes as long as traffic is not impeded. Drivers are NOT permitted to wait for permit holders to return after they are dropped off in these locations.

These parking privileges do not apply to off-street parking facilities such as those at federal government buildings and Private Institutions (i.e.- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, hospitals, etc.).

Off-street privileges

All parking lots in the City of Ottawa with 20 or more public parking spaces are required to reserve at least one parking space for the use of permit holders. These spaces are identified by official signs showing the international symbol for accessibility for persons with disabilities.

For accessible permit rates for City managed parking lots and garages, please refer to the Municipal Parking Lots page. 

Restrictions

Permit holders are subject to all other traffic and parking by-law provisions including respecting the winter parking bans and cannot block driveways, park in front of a fire hydrant or park within nine (9) metres of an intersection. Vehicles must not be stopped or parked in a way that blocks traffic.

Permit holders cannot park facing the wrong direction (facing on-coming traffic).

Permit holders cannot park more than 15 centimetres away from a curb (includes the middle of a dead end street/cul-de-sac).

Permit holders cannot park in “no stopping zones“. "No stopping" regulations are in effect on many roadways during peak traffic hours, usually Monday to Friday, 7 am to 9 am and 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm Permit holders are not exempt from these regulations. Permit holders also cannot stop in school bus loading zones, taxi zones, and police vehicle zones.

Questions?

Please contact us for more information.

Become more comfortable and confident on multi-use pathways, cycle tracks and the road, learning assertive cycling skills, traffic analysis, general bicycle maintenance, route planning and more. The City's cycling programs are conducted by certified instructors. Our programs are oriented toward recreational and utilitarian cycling.

Got a Bike Club? Sign your group up for a lesson.

See you on the road, the pathways and the cycle tracks!

Cycling courses

Child - Bike Rodeo (by community request)

City of Ottawa Bike Rodeos are offered to schools and community groups free of charge by the City of Ottawa Mobile Cycle Education Team. A Bike Rodeo is an interactive bicycle skills and safety event for children. Essential bicycle handling and traffic skills for young cyclists in a fun festival type atmosphere. Topics include helmet fitting, bicycle maintenance, handling, signalling, gears, braking, avoiding road hazards and more. Participants must know how to ride. Ages six to 10. Two hours.

Child - Learn to ride private lessons 

For children and youth who cannot ride a bike. Our COVID-modified Learn to Ride lessons will have adults and children riding confidently and safely in a very short time. Participants will learn to balance, start, stop and turn. Sessions are offered on a one-to-one basis. Participants must have a bicycle and helmet. Instructors will meet you at your local school parking lot. Ages 6 and up. One hour.

Adult - Learn to ride private lesson

For adults who cannot ride a bike. Learn to balance, start, stop and turn. One session, on a one-to-one basis. You must have a bicycle and helmet. One hour.

Registration

Contact City Wide Programs: 613-580-3575 or cycling@ottawa.ca

You can view the Official Cycling Map for Ottawa-Gatineau and the Outaouais Region online or have a copy mailed to you by calling 3-1-1, and choosing option 6 to speak with one of our Client Service Centre representative.  

If you want to find a public washroom when exploring the city, take a look at this map. It has over 170 public washrooms and portables in City buildings and parks. It shows locations, hours of operation and level of accessibility.