In June 2024, the City of Ottawa initiated the Bank Street Active Transportation and Transit Priority Feasibility Study to examine options to improve transit efficiency and reliability along the corridor and enhance the travel environment for active transportation. Several options presented during the study would have significantly impacted parking supply and accessibility in the Glebe, including one scenario that proposed removing all parking on the west side of Bank Street. 

The Glebe BIA actively participated in the stakeholder and community consultation process, advocating on behalf of members to ensure business needs were clearly understood. The BIA worked to influence the final staff recommendation toward solutions that improve mobility while minimizing negative impacts on local businesses, customers, and accessibility. 

This past September the City project team presented the proposed street design which would result in the loss of 16 parking spaces between Regent St. and Fourth Avenue due to the implementation of full-time bus lanes, as shown in red in the diagram above.

The full study presentation can be found here.

While we support efforts to improve transit and active transportation, these objectives must be balanced with the practical needs of small businesses and the vitality of our main street. We are concerned that the loss of on street parking will negatively impact customer traffic and sales, placing additional strain on businesses that are already navigating economic uncertainty and rising operating costs.  

In advance of the proposed street design being presented to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on March 30, 2026, the BIA felt it is important to provide members who are opposed to the design with the opportunity to have their voice heard at City Hall, and has prepared the following petition to be presented to the Mayor and City Council. 

We, the undersigned businesses of the Glebe BIA, express our opposition to the City of Ottawa proposal under the Bank Street Active Transportation and Transit Priority Feasibility Study that would remove 16 on-street parking spaces to implement dedicated bus lanes.

On-street parking along Bank Street is already in high demand and plays a critical role in supporting local businesses by enabling short, convenient visits for customers, clients, and service providers. The proposed removal of these parking spaces raises serious concerns about reduced accessibility, particularly for seniors, people with mobility challenges, and customers making quick or incidental visits.

We are concerned that the loss of on street parking will negatively impact customer traffic and sales, placing additional strain on businesses that are already navigating economic uncertainty and rising operating costs. While we support efforts to improve transit and active transportation, these objectives must be balanced with the practical needs of small businesses and the vitality of our main street.

We urge the City of Ottawa to reconsider this proposal and work collaboratively with the Glebe BIA and its members to identify solutions that improve transit efficiency without undermining the economic sustainability of Bank Street businesses.