Idling rules could get tougher under bylaw changes

The City of Ottawa is looking at revamping its idling bylawto reduce greenhouse gas emissions and wants to know what residents think.

Enacted in 2007, itsidling control bylawlimits most driversto running their vehicles for nomore than three minutesin a given 60-minute period when the temperature is between 5 C and 27 C.

When it's warmer or colder, drivers can idle as long as they want.

There are also exemptions foremergency vehicles, mobile workshops, OC Transpo buses and other vehicles in the city's fleet that provide municipal services.

In July 2022, council directed staff to have another look at the bylaw.

"It was time to dust it off," said Valerie Bietlot, the city's manager ofpublic policy development.

"[We need to] make sure that the provisions of the bylaw are still working welland essentially still meeting council's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in Ottawa."

There's currently a survey online until mid-March, seeking feedback on whyresidents idle, where they see other vehicles idling and how that affects them.

The city also wants feedback on the proposed changes, which could also includeshortening the idling window.

"We are asking several questions around potential policy changes, in particular considering a reduction from three minutes to one minute," said Matthew Suatac, a bylaw review specialist with the city.

"We want to hear from the public on how that might impact them."

Ecology group in support

"I think it's excellent," said Angela Keller-Herzog,executive director withCommunity Associations for Environmental Sustainability.

Keller-Herzogsaid she'dlike to see drivers only get one minute of idling,along with the tightening of other restrictions.

"I think in terms of the temperature range, we could probably take it to a bit colder. You know, we are Canadians," she said.

The review process, Keller-Herzog said,should also look at whether there needs to be a blanket exemption for municipal and emergency vehicles.

"If [there are] bylaw officers [who are letting their vehicles run while] giving parking tickets, why should they basically commit a bylaw infraction while enforcing another bylaw? That is just too ironic," she said.

Small changes can make a big difference, says expert

Staff have researched how Ottawa compares to other cities, Suatac said. They've found idling bylaws across Ontarioand the country vary greatly, including when it comes to fines.

Ottawa's current fine is $500, whilejust across the river in Gatineau, Que., you'll only pay $50.

Other jurisdictions such asToronto and Burlington, Ont., have already reduced the allowed idlingtime to one minute,something recommended by Natural Resources Canada.

"It's very important to know that your car, if it's idling for more than 10 seconds, it's actually idling unnecessarily," said Robert McLeman, professor of environmental studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.

While two or three minutes of idlingmight not seem like much, when added up it makes a significant contribution to greenhouse gas pollution, McLeman said.

Federal government research hasfoundthat if everyone who idled their vehicle reduced their idling time by three minutes a day, it would be the equivalent of taking 320,000 vehicles off the road a good reason, McLeman said, for the city to consider it.

"It's probably a fraction of a litreof gasoline, but when we add it all up, it's the equivalent of taking multiple cars off the road altogetherjust in the city of Ottawa," he said.

After the public consultation wraps up in mid-March, staff will analyze the information and post a report online. Recommendations are slated to be in the hands of council members in the fall.