Blasdell footbridge opens for winter

The pedestrian bridge and new pathway, connecting Blasdell Ave. to the Capital Pathway along Aviation Parkway, has now opened for the winter season.
On its website, the National Capital Commission (NCC) had posted the bridge and multi-use pathway would be closed from September 30, 2024 to the spring of 2025. But in communication with the Manor Park Community Council Dec. 13, NCC public affairs advisor Ryan Kleinau confirmed the area would be open to the public.
The contractor was on site prior to Christmas “to complete winter preparations, including snow fencing, signage for the public to keep off newly seeded areas and cleaning up,” Kleinau noted.
While the pathway is now open, community members are asked to abide by the safety advice and signage on site.
“The work to complete the pathway will continue in the spring,” he noted.

Footbridge naming
In November, 2023, the new installation was given a new name — Sumac Footbridge. The new naming followed a call to the public by the Manor Park Community Council for naming suggestions that sparked close to 50 submissions. This process included liaisons over several months with the NCC and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg members.
A ceremony to officially commemorate the new name and unveil the plaque will be held later this year. This will happen after final work on the pathway has been completed.
This article was written by Ryland Coyne.