Sidewalks decision pushed back

Staff to present report at February Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting

The decision on sidewalks for the ongoing integrated sewer and roads project in Manor Park has been pushed back to February, 2026. 

The matter was to be discussed at the city’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC) on Nov. 27. However, on Nov. 17, Rideau-Rockcliffe councillor Rawlson King announced, via email, that a staff report on the Integrated Sewer Renewal Project, which includes its support for sidewalks, would not be presented at that meeting. 

“They’ve advised that this change is tied to the City’s ongoing budget deliberations, and specifically budget deliberations at PWIC as well as the timing needed to ensure there is adequate time at Committee to deliberate on the Manor Park Integrated Sewer Renewal Project report,” King wrote.

In September, 2025, King announced sidewalks would be deferred for the integrated roads project. The work involves upgrades to sewers, watermains and roads along parts of Kilbarry Crescent, Farnham Crescent, Arundel Avenue, Jeffrey Avenue, Finter Street and Braemar Street. Work started in the fall with estimated completion in 2026.

King’s decision was to allow for more detailed studies before committing to sidewalks. These studies would examine the effect that future major transportation infrastructure changes will have on the community. 

City staff, however, have a different view and wish only to defer sidewalks over a shorter term, King explained.

Staff has delegated authority to proceed without returning to council for approval — on two conditions. One of those is concurrence provided by the ward councillor. Because King disagrees with their interpretation, the issue now heads to public works committee. There, staff will present their report to move forward with sidewalk installation. If accepted, it would move to council for final approval. 

In his Nov. 17 statement, King noted he intends to present a motion to counter the staff report. 

“I will be requesting that Committee and Council support the option for further study. Once the report is released, my office will share it with the community along with details on how to participate.”

“I can’t speak for my colleagues but I do think there’s a strong case to be made that the decision deserves more time and community input,” he told the Chronicle in a previous interview. “There are so many changes coming to Manor Park.” 

This isn’t a matter of simply blocking sidewalks from being built due to aesthetics or neighbourhood character, he added. “There are exceptional circumstances here … that should require greater holistic input and analysis.”

King said delegations are welcome at the committee meeting. 

“I will continue to support constructive community input related to transportation concerns throughout this process,” he noted.