Ottawa's transportation committee is considering a proposal to charge for parking on Sundays in the ByWard Market.

There are about 3,000 public parking spaces in the market, but the city said few are available on the weekends when shoppers come looking for a spot.

While an average of about six vehicles park in each spot during the weekdays — when drivers must pay for parking — an average of only about three vehicles sit in each spot on Sunday, the transportation committee heard Wednesday.

Local merchants say the lack of movement on the weekends is hurting their business and making some consumers chose to shop elsewhere because of a lack of available spots.

The occupancy rate for public spaces in the market is over 90 per cent, the committee heard.

The committee heard from city staff that charging for Sunday parking would also bring in about $100,000 to the city.

The committee agreed to consult a number of interested groups, including the local Business Improvement Area groups and area churches, many with parishioners who rely on the public spaces.