NCC to open roads for recreational use this weekend

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is making more space along Ottawa parkways available for people to exercise on this weekend.

The decision to close some lanes to motor vehicles over the weekend comes as the province imposed a stay-at-home order this week, the NCC said in a news release Friday. It also cites unseasonably warm weather, with a high of 22 C on Saturday and 18 C on Sunday for the nation's capital.

Both westbound lanes of the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway will open for active use from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., south of the Ottawa River from Booth Street to Carling Avenue.

Sir George-tienne Cartier Parkway will open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for residents to use between Aviation Parkway and St. Joseph Boulevard in Orlans.

About three kilometres of Queen Elizabeth Driveway remains open for active use from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekendsfrom Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street.

The NCC says it will share more information later this month on parkways opening for active use for thewarmer months, including plans for Gatineau Park parkways.