Dalhousie Street businesses blindsided by parking removal

Business owners on Dalhousie Street in the ByWard Market are speaking out against the sudden removal of street parking next to their businesses as OC Transpo adds a turning lane to ease traffic congestion.

Jean-Philippe Gorley, who owns Opulence Coffee on Dalhousie Street, said he suddenly noticed street signs were being changed on Thursday. He says the removal of parking spots there will have an impact on his cafe.

"People are not going to park two to three blocks away for these quick in and outs ... it's completely ridiculous," he told Radio-Canada.

Lise Lauzon, the owner of the building, said she worries for tenants who rely on those parking spots, and says the city should have left the street as it was.

"That's unbelievable that they remove parking in front of [Brisson] Pharmacy, and it's a no stopping on top of that," she said. "So that means even if you have a handicap permit, you can't even stop."

OC Transpo said in a statement that it is in the process of updating on-street parking signs and pavement markings on Dalhousie Street, and that the work will be completed before the implementation of its "New Ways to Bus" initiative takes effect on April 27.

The service added that it has delegated authority to make changes to parking arrangements in consultation with the Ward Councillor.

"We understand that New Ways to Bus will mean changes for residents and businesses, and we thank them for their patience as everyone adjusts to the new bus network over the coming weeks," the service said in a French statement.

Councillor, business authority, informed in March

A presentation prepared by OC Transpo said the current street layout of a single southbound lane on Dalhousie Street between St. Patrick Street and Murray Street results in queuing and delays to transit. For this reason, it is adding a left turn lane. It is also increasing trip volumes for routes that use Dalhousie Street as part of its bus route revamp.

The presentation said nine on-street parking spots were being removed on Dalhousie Street, including six between St. Patrick and Murray Street. It estimated these changes would save bus riders one to two minutes per trip during peak hours.

In March, the service presented the changes to both Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante and to the ByWard Market District Authority. 

In a statement, Zachary Dayler, executive director of the authority, said he was informed by OC Transpo about upcoming changes to the street, but "additional modifications beyond road markings were not clearly communicated or widely understood."

"The loss of on-street parking affects both merchants and visitors, impacting the district's accessibility. As an organization dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience, we strive to maintain accessibility to the area — whether by car or transit," Dayler said.

Plante said in March she had asked OC Transpo to communicate door-to-door regarding the change, but that didn't happen.

She added that she agrees with OC Transpo's attempt to address street congestion, but said it should have been communicated more clearly — especially to business owners.

"I know they're not happy and I don't blame them, but we do have to understand that there are a lot of issues at play here," she said.