What’s Changing
The City of Ottawa is installing new Pay-by-Plate parking kiosks at on-street parking spaces and in municipal parking lots across the city. Instead of printing a paper receipt to leave on your dashboard, drivers will simply enter their licence plate number at the machine and pay for their session directly.
Why It’s a Welcome Update
For anyone who has lost a receipt to a gust of wind or forgotten to display it properly, this shift is good news. Pay-by-Plate systems are designed to streamline the process, meaning less fumbling at the machine and one less piece of paper to keep track of during your errands downtown or around the neighbourhood.
Where You’ll See the New Machines
The new kiosks are being installed at on-street parking spots as well as municipal lots throughout Ottawa, so whether you’re grabbing a coffee on Elgin Street or parking for an afternoon in Westboro, you can expect the updated machines to start appearing in more locations.
What to Know Before You Go
Since the system is based on your licence plate rather than a paper receipt, it’s worth double-checking that you’ve entered your plate number correctly each time you pay. As the rollout continues, keep an eye out for signage at individual kiosks letting you know whether a location has already made the switch.