An Ottawa resident got the shock of his life after a routine trip to the CF Rideau Centre turned into a $2,398 parking bill.
The man claims he parked at the downtown shopping centre expecting the standard daily rate—typically in the range of $20 to $30 for a full day at the Rideau Centre parkade. What showed up on his bill was something else entirely.
What Happened?
The details are still murky. It's unclear whether the charge was a system error, the result of an extended or multi-day vehicle stay, or some other billing issue. The CF Rideau Centre has not publicly commented on the specific incident.
What is clear is that the charge of over $2,300 went viral on social media, with Ottawa residents both amused and alarmed.
Ottawa Parking: Context
Downtown Ottawa parking can be pricey, but rates at the CF Rideau Centre typically cap out at around $25 to $35 for a single day. Even a multi-day overstay would not normally reach anywhere near the $2,400 mark under normal pricing.
If the charge was due to a billing error, the man would likely be entitled to a reversal or dispute resolution through the parking operator.
What to Do If This Happens to You
- Contact the parking operator directly with your receipt and vehicle information
- Document everything: take photos of your ticket, the signs showing posted rates, and any communications
- Dispute the charge through your credit card provider if the parking company is unresponsive
- Report to the Better Business Bureau if the situation isn't resolved
For now, one Ottawa man's parking receipt has become the cautionary tale of the week. Check your receipts, folks.
