The City of Ottawa is exploring the idea of permitting places of worship to rent out parking spaces in anticipation of a rise in commuter traffic this autumn. The proposed zoning adjustment would be applicable to churches, mosques, and other religious sites in downtown Ottawa and those situated within 600 meters of a rapid transit station.
City officials foresee an increase in traffic volume in the upcoming fall due to ongoing city expansion, the return of more federal employees to office settings, and the resumption of classes. Notably, many places of worship have vast parking lots to accommodate peak attendance on weekends, but these lots often remain underutilized during weekdays.
Although the zoning change would impact all places of worship within the specified zones, individual property owners would have the discretion to decide whether to lease their parking spaces. Additionally, the zoning revision would encompass six city-owned facilities, including Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex, Brewer Park Complex, Jim Durrell Recreation Complex, Trillium Recreation Complex, Pinecrest Recreational Complex, and Sandy Hill Arena.
The proposed measures are intended to be temporary, expiring by the following April. City staff have presented the proposal to the planning and housing committee, with a discussion scheduled for August 19. If approved, the proposal will proceed to the city council for a final decision.
A follow-up report on the effectiveness of these temporary measures is expected from city staff in early 2027. The initiative would also allow places of worship located within 600 meters of a rapid transit station to offer parking spaces for lease.