Sidewalk issue heads to committee Nov. 27

The option to defer the sidewalk component of the Integrated Sewer Renewal Project was originally presented to my office by staff as a viable alternative. This would allow additional time for a comprehensive review of the neighbourhood’s transportation needs and for proper holistic transportation planning to be communicated to the community.

However, city staff have since withdrawn the deferral option and indicated their preference to proceed with sidewalk installation under the City’s Integrated Renewal Policy rather than undertake further studies. My office had understood “deferral” to mean postponing the work to allow for the comprehensive neighbourhood transportation analysis I have been requesting.

Under the city’s Delegated Authority By-law, senior staff can approve road modifications independently without bringing the matter to Committee and Council, provided two conditions are met: there are no outstanding written objections from the public, and the Ward Councillor has provided concurrence, or approval, of the modifications.

Because I did not provide concurrence for the sidewalk component of this project — as I believe further comprehensive study is needed — one of the required conditions for staff to proceed under delegated authority was no longer met. When a ward councillor does not concur, delegated authority can no longer be exercised, and the decision must go to committee and council for a vote. This is a procedural requirement under the city’s bylaws, not a decision made by my office.

The matter will therefore go before the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on Nov. 27, 2025. Staff will present a report outlining the project history, the reason the matter is being brought forward (the withdrawal of ward councillor concurrence), and relevant bylaw and policy considerations. I will provide comments in that staff report.

The committee will vote on whether to accept the staff-initiated recommendation to proceed with the project as planned, including the proposed sidewalks, or support a motion I intend to bring forward to defer the sidewalk portion until all extenuating circumstances have been properly reviewed in the context of this growing community.

Ongoing discussion

Over the past several months, the community has been engaged in discussion about the appropriate placement of sidewalks. I have heard clearly from the community there is broad support for the inclusion of sidewalks where they belong and where they contribute to a safe, connected, and liveable neighbourhood — particularly near schools, community centres, and parks.

However, residents have expressed concern that staff did not demonstrate that the current proposal for sidewalks within the Integrated Sewer Renewal Project for Jeffrey Avenue, Arundel Avenue, Farnham Crescent, Braemar Street, Finter Street, and Kilbarry Crescent takes a holistic planning approach, as it addresses only the listed streets in isolation.

Throughout this process, I have consistently advocated for a more holistic and forward-looking approach — one that integrates infrastructure renewal with the many other changes coming to Manor Park, including the Hemlock Road connection to Wateridge Village, the full reconstruction of Beechwood Avenue, the Manor Park North and South Secondary Plan, school-area pedestrian improvements, and possible intersection changes at Braemar, Ava, and Eastbourne. These projects, collectively, will reshape how people move through and experience the neighbourhood for decades to come. Sidewalk planning should be informed by that full picture, not just one segment at a time.

Worked toward solution

During the last 10 months, I have been in regular contact with staff to find a constructive solution, supported by substantial community input through emails, calls, meetings, and surveys. I support the goals of the city’s Transportation Master Plan, Complete Streets Policy, and Vision Zero principles. These aim to enhance long-term pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity. I also support residents who have made thoughtful, reasonable requests for better alignment between local realities and city policies.

Staff have advised that any postponement beyond summer 2026 would effectively remove sidewalks from this capital project and require council to approve a future standalone sidewalk initiative. I communicated this information clearly at the July 30 information session and in my office’s survey issued in the spring. 

Staff have now indicated they are constrained by a construction contract for this project that requires a final decision — either to install the sidewalks following standard city policy or to remove them.

Disappointed

Staff continue to recommend proceeding with sidewalk installation in line with council’s approved master plans and policies, concluding that no further study is necessary at this time.

While I am disappointed in this outcome and in staff’s decision not to undertake a comprehensive transportation analysis, I remain fully committed to ensuring that the community’s voices continue to be heard through my motion at committee.

More information will be shared by my office once the staff report is released, along with details on how residents can engage constructively in the committee process in the coming weeks. Residents will be able to delegate at the committee meeting to share their views directly with committee members.

It is important that our discussions remain focused on accessibility, safety, and community connectivity so that we can work together effectively toward solutions that balance both city-wide objectives and the specific needs of Manor Park. By continuing this conversation collectively, we can ensure that future infrastructure reflects these values in a way that truly works for everyone.

Rawlson King is the City of Ottawa Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13.