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Use of Diplomatic Loading Zones in Ottawa

Circular Note No. XDC-1156 of November 14, 2013

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Office of Protocol) presents its compliments to the Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d’affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada, and the Heads of International Organizations and other Offices, and has the honour to refer to the matter of the use of designated Diplomatic Loading Zones within the City of Ottawa.

The Department wishes to remind Their Excellencies that Diplomatic Loading Zones are facilities afforded by the City of Ottawa for use by all diplomatic missions to minimize on-street exposure when actively loading and unloading passengers and goods for up to fifteen (15) minutes at a time. The Diplomatic Loading Zone does not permit a vehicle to be legally parked for extended periods beyond the fifteen (15) minute limit. Only vehicles displaying diplomatic or official licence plates can use a Diplomatic Loading Zone, subject to the abovementioned time limitation.

The Department advises Their Excellencies that the City of Ottawa’s bylaw enforcement officers will be increasing patrols in high-traffic areas where issues of traffic flow and traffic safety have been raised. In this regard, Their Excellencies are also asked to note that, in keeping with its policy regarding parking and other vehicle-related infractions, the Department will not normally intervene in instances where official vehicles or vehicles belonging to mission staff are issued with parking infractions, including for those infractions which are issued for the improper use of a Diplomatic Loading Zone in the City of Ottawa. The text of this policy can be found on its website at : .

The Department recommends that Their Excellencies inform their relevant consular posts and other offices of the above information.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Office of Protocol) avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d’affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada, and the Heads of International Organizations and other Offices the assurances of its highest consideration.

OTTAWA, November 14, 2013