The new parking meter prices have come into effect in neighborhoods throughout Ottawa, with residents expressing their support and discontent over having to pay extra fees to park their cars.

Starting tomorrow, Monday, parking prices in the city will increase to $4 an hour in six areas of Ottawa, including Little Italy South, the Chinatown area, Glebe South, downtown, King Edward, and Beaudry Court.

This move will affect 11 areas of the city's paid parking zones.

Sarah Rizq, who was shopping in Glebe yesterday on Saturday, said, "With the increase to $4 an hour, it will prevent people from coming downtown."

She added, "What I really don’t understand is why you have to pay for parking in Glebe, but in Westboro, you don’t have to pay for parking."

She noted that other areas will see a price decrease of 50 cents an hour, including around Holland Cross, Vanier, Rideau Street, and Terminal Street.

Max Schopp, who lives in Ottawa, said that the increase could reduce congestion downtown.

Schopp stated, "I think pricing people out of parking in downtown is a good idea for congestion, and it’s a great idea to encourage more people to walk, bike, and stay healthy."

Jon Tan, the owner of Ichiban Bakery, a family-owned business on Bank Street in Glebe, says she is unsure how customers will react to the new prices.

"People care about their parking spots," said Tan. "We’ve received complaints from customers."

She added, "I don’t know how they will be affected here, but people shop here or just try to enjoy themselves here. I don’t think they will be very happy about this."

Some residents are concerned about what the changes may mean for parking in the city.

She emphasized, "I think this just means that it will be more difficult. It’s already hard to find parking, so I feel it should be easier to access, not less easy."