Traffic calming, sidewalks among concerns raised over proposed project

From the desk of Councillor—Ward 13 Rideau-Rockcliffe Rawlson King

By Manor Park Chronicle

City of Ottawa Councillor—Ward 13 Rideau-Rockcliffe Rawlson King

I want to thank residents who provided feedback regarding the proposed integrated renewal project in Manor Park.

This specific project focuses on:

• Arundel Ave., from Farnham Cres. to St. Laurent Blvd.,

• Braemar St., from Ava Rd. to Arundel Ave.,

• Farnham Cres., from Ava Rd. north to the dead end,

• Finter St., from St. Laurent Blvd. to the dead end,

• Jeffrey Ave., from St. Laurent Blvd. to Braemar St.,

• and Kilbarry Cres., from Sandridge Rd. to Ava Rd.

A public open house was held in November to present the design drawings to neighbours. Residents were provided the opportunity to review the design, to ask questions and to offer comments on the proposed integrated road, sewer and watermain rehabilitation project prior to the construction start date, which is tentatively planned to start in spring 2025, subject to budgetary approval.

I understand and appreciate the concerns that many neighbours raised about traffic calming measures, sidewalk installations, and other elements of the plan.

Exploring alternative options

As part of the City of Ottawa’s Complete Streets Policy, road rehabilitation projects include features such as new sidewalks and new traffic calming measures where warranted.

This policy, in place since 2013, is designed to enhance safety and accessibility for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists.

It reflects the city’s commitment to prioritize user experience and safety in road infrastructure projects. The project will also be planned as per the city’s Road Safety Action Plan and its 30 km/h Design Toolbox.

That said, I recognize each neighbourhood has unique characteristics and needs. My office has requested that city staff work to explore alternative options for traffic calming and sidewalk placement in response to community feedback.

We want to ensure the project reflects both citywide policies and the specific context of Manor Park.

Intersection improvement

It is important to note that, in a separate, independent project, city staff is planning an intersection improvement project at Ava Rd., Eastbourne Ave. and Braemar St. . That intersection will be upgraded at the same time as other buried infrastructure under those specific streets, currently planned to take place within the next few years.

City staff will continue to review the input shared by residents on the integrated renewal project and will provide further updates. I will ensure residents are informed as these discussions progress. If you have additional thoughts or specific questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Beechwood Village study

I am also pleased that as part of the 2025 budget process, city council has approved $400,000 for a functional design study of Beechwood Village. The proposed study, to be conducted in 2025, is the first comprehensive step to fix the disjointed public realm along Beechwood Ave. and will examine holistic solutions to address the active transportation “missing links” along the Beechwood/Hemlock corridor.

The funding will pay for planning and design work and will examine:

  • complete sidewalk replacement from the Vanier Pky. to Beechwood Cemetery;
  • sidewalk renewal from Beechwood Cemetery to St. Laurent Blvd.;
  • burying hydro lines and/or the removal of poles on the right of way;
  • realignment of, and opportunities to finish, the cycling track; and
  • a cost analysis to undertake complete reconstruction.

This study will provide a full cost analysis for the complete reconstruction of Beechwood Ave. and will be the initial step towards transforming Beechwood into a complete street.

As always, you can contact my office by email at rideaurockcliffeward@ottawa.ca or by phone at 613-580-2483. Please subscribe to my newsletter at https://www.rideau-rockcliffe.ca.