Updated: Traffic concerns prompt April 10 meeting

An ugly weather forecast has delayed a community meeting about traffic near Manor Park Public School. The city councillor organizing the meeting has re-scheduled it to Wednesday April 10.

Ongoing traffic concerns outside Manor Park Public School have prompted a meeting organized byRideau-Rockcliffe Coun. Rawlson King.

The meeting, organized as part of Coun. King’s community round tables, will take place 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday April 3 10 at 100 Thornwood Rd.

Several “No Parking” and “No Stopping” signs between school pick-up times of 2 to 4 p.m. line the street. However, many residents describe the street as snarled with traffic, creating a dangerous situation for children and pedestrians.

Traffic around the school, and the number of students being bused in from other neighbourhoods to participate in the school’s Early French Immersion program, have been a source of tension for several years. In 2019, the Ottawa-Carleton Distruct School Board planned to pave over some of the surround greenspace to create space for portables and more parking. After an outcry from the community, the school board scrapped the plan.

‘Inclement weather’

On April 2, Environment Canada issued a ‘special weather statement.’ An early spring storm is expected to bring rain, wind gusts and the potential for significant snow beginning in the afternoon or evening of Wednesday, April 3 and continuing through Thursday night.

According to Environment Canada a “Colorado low” will affect the region beginning Wednesday morning. Rain throughout the day will become snow late Wednesday afternoon or early evening. The snow could become heavy and could continue through Wednesday night and easing Thursday night. Significant snowfall accumulations are possible by the time snow begins to ease Thursday night. Impacts: Power outages will be possible. Travel may become hazardous due to accumulating snow and reduced visibility.”