OTTAWA | October 31, 2026

Ottawa is moving toward modernizing its municipal parking payment infrastructure, with pay-by-licence-plate technology among the options considered as part of the City’s parking system upgrades.

Under the proposed approach, motorists would enter their vehicle’s licence plate number when paying for parking, allowing payment records to be associated electronically with their vehicle rather than relying on a paper receipt displayed on the dashboard.

City of Ottawa Parking Stakeholder Consultation Group minutes from October 2024 confirm that municipal staff discussed a proposed transition to pay-by-plate technology and the possibility of introducing an additional mobile payment provider.

The proposed modernization could make parking more convenient for residents and visitors by reducing the need to return to their vehicles after payment.

What Drivers Should KnowOttawa currently offers payment through municipal Pay and Display machines and the PayByPhone service. Drivers using PayByPhone can pay for parking or extend eligible parking sessions remotely.

The City has also indicated that maintaining accessible payment options is an important consideration. During earlier consultations, staff said there were no near-term plans to eliminate cash or credit card payments at parking machines.

Implementation TimelineAlthough municipal records confirm that pay-by-plate technology has been under consideration, an official citywide implementation date has not been independently verified.

Until changes are formally introduced, motorists should continue following the payment and receipt-display instructions at their parking locations.

The modernization would represent another step in Ottawa’s efforts to improve municipal services through digital technology.

Sources: City of Ottawa, Parking Stakeholder Consultation Group meeting minutes, October 24, 2024; City of Ottawa municipal parking information.

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