Free on-street parking would create bigger hurdles, urbanism groups say
Urbanism advocates in Ottawa are criticizing a mayoral candidate's proposal to eliminate paid on-street parking, arguing it will increase traffic, pollution, and safety risks. Experts suggest that paid parking is a necessary tool for managing high-demand areas and supporting local infrastructure.
Why it matters
The debate reflects broader tensions in urban planning between populist policy proposals and data-driven city management strategies.
Their concerns come after Alex Lawson promised to remove all paid street parking if he's elected Ottawa's next mayor.
"I can 100 per cent understand why people would think like that would be a good proposal just off the get-go, but [it's not] once you start ... digging a little bit deeper," said Marko Miljusevic, chair of Strong Towns Ottawa, a local non-profit that advocates for better city planning.
"I t seems like there's not really anyone who wins here, and it's pretty much just losses all around."
Lawson rolled out the policy idea last week, saying the difference between what the city collects in parking fees and the costs to maintain the existing system is essentially negligible.
All on-street parking should be free, says mayoral candidate Alex Lawson
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