Old Ottawa South

In the spring of 2008 the National Capital Commission (NCC) initiated the "Rideau Canal Corridor Pedestrian Crossing Study”. In early June 2008 members of all of the community associations in the City of Ottawa's Capital ward (which borders the Rideau Canal) participated in a public workshop hosted by the NCC. A list of potential crossing points along both Queen Elizabeth and Colonel By to permit safer access to the recreational pathways was compiled at that first workshop. A report was circulated in the fall of 2009. Nearly 2 years later a planned follow-up meeting has yet to be scheduled. And there doesn't seem to be anything on the NCC website about this study, not even the workshop report. From all appearances this study has stalled or is on hold.

This is in stark contrast to recent statements by the NCC that it wants to emphasized pedestrian and cycling access around the national capital.

Several groups are actively following this issue, including

• Ottawa South Community Association


• Ottawa East Community Association


• Midtown Footbridge Committee

Councillor Clive Doucet recently wrote to NCC CEO Marie Lemay asking for an update, see attached letter.

If you want to get involve in this issue, suggest you join the Footbridge google group or their Facebook page.

I concur that the crossings to the canal are a dangerous situation needing attention. It’s disappointing that the study is taking so long. I urge folks to write to the NCC to hasten to process. Especially now that the canal wall reconstruction and the resulting traffic patterns at the Bank St Bridge have made car-people-bike conflicts more frequent. Just today in the Ottawa Citizen the NCC Commission head Marie Lemay has emphasized yet again providing safe cycling; let’s see how that is addressed.

I received the following response from the NCC on May 13, 2010 in regards to a status update about the ongoing study:

A final report on Rideau Canal Pedestrian Crossing, for review by NCC's senior management, is expected sometime this summer or fall. Recommendations will be developed by NCC staff following receipt of conclusions from consultant. Decision on recommendations is likely this Fall. Following this step, planning for improvements of individual pedestrian crossing locations as well as prioritization of improvements as part of the NCC's multi-year capital program five year plan update will occur.