Hour 1 of Ottawa Now for Tues. September 2nd, 2025

The debate over free parking in a trifecta of near-Downtown communities has been going on for years. That would be various areas of Hintonburg, Wellington West, and Westboro. Despite studies showcasing a shortage of available parking spaces, along with a serious need to solve long-term parking dilemmas, councillors have decided to maintain free parking as far back as 2017. Starting today, that policy is being discontinued, as 697 parking spots are being turned into paid lots. But a crowd of shops, businesses, and restaurants along those areas are losing their patience, and today’s decision doesn’t help matters. Kristy Cameron chats with Terry Fitzpatrick, the owner of Petit Bill’s Bistro on Wellington Street. Meantime, the Ford government is removing interprovincial barriers for workers in regulated professions, allowing them greater mobility when searching for work across the country. Joining us with his reaction is James Buren, the Director of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors. But first, we bring you up to speed on today's top headlines.