NCC releases its parkway plan to mixed reviews

Depending who you ask, theplans from the National Capital Commission (NCC) to ensure people get out and actively enjoy Ottawa's parkways either gotoo far or not far enough.

The NCC released its 2023 active use program schedule Mondayto a few middling reviews.

"We do have mixed feelings," said Erin Maher, co-lead of Parkways for People, a group that advocates for a new approach to managing the parkways.

Maher told CBC Radio's All In A Day Tuesdaythe group appreciates the programming which includes times when the roads are set aside for walking and cycling butwas hoping tosee "gains" in the number of hours they're used for such purposes.

While Parkways for People wants to see the hours expanded, otherswant to protect vehicle access.

Here are the details

The NCC's active use program returns tothe Queen Elizabeth Driveway on the west side of the Rideau Canal. Itstarted in 2020 to expand opportunities for outdoor exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic

The drivewaywill be periodically reserved for active use on weekends and holiday Mondaysfrom May 13 to Oct.9between Somerset Street and Fifth Avenue. From July 1 to Sept. 4, it's exclusively for active use.

The Weekend Bikedays program is returning to the Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-tienneCartierparkways in 2023 for a 53rd season, the NCC said in itsnews release.

Every weekend and holiday Monday from May 13 to Oct. 9, both westbound lanes of the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway from Vimy Place to Carling Avenue will be closed tovehicles.

For the same dates, both lanes of the Sir George-tienne Cartier Parkway between the Aviation Parkway and St. Joseph Boulevard will likewise be reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.

Queen Elizabethan 'area of concern,' OSEG says

Mark Goudie, president and CEO of Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), said the NCC "summoned" OSEG and the City of Ottawa in mid-April to inform them of the planned closure.

OSEG was then given just one business day to respond, Goudie said.

"We're a major stakeholder in this," he said. "I was not called one time about my inputs."

Speaking to the city's finance committee Tuesday, Goudie said he understands from the NCC that its plan for 2024 is to expand the Queen Elizabeth Drivewayclosure from downtown all the way to Preston Street.

An NCC spokesperson said in an email to CBC the commission had not yet made a decision about the drivewayfor the 2024 season.

"One big area of concern that we have for TD Place and for Lansdowne right now is the NCC's planned closure of QED," Goudietold the committee.

The executivesaid although the NCC does a "wonderful job of stewarding" public spaces in Ottawa, he believes the driveway is an important part of Ottawa's transportation infrastructure.

Lansdowne Park, which OSEG manages,hasentrances for vehicleson Bank Street and Queen Elizabeth. Goudie estimates about 40 per cent of vehicle traffic enters via the latter.

"If that traffic is forced to find other ways, people are making two decisions," he said. "One, just not come, because it's too difficult. Or two, meander their way through the neighbourhoods in the Glebe."

Not far enough

For People for Parkways, however, the closures announced this week represent a missed opportunity.

"We really would have liked to see some movement and some gains being made this year, as opposed to what was presented for last year," Maher said. "We didn't see a lot of those gains in the announcement."

The group has previously advocated for creative management of NCC parkways, including turning a stretch into a national urban park.

Mahersaid Parkways for Peoplewould like to see the active use program extended to Preston Street next year.

Regardless of the length of road closures, Maher said the active useprogramming is part of the "Ottawa identity."

"[It]brings such joy to our lives," she said. "Just being able to get out there and experience what freedom of movement feels like in a city, when so often you're sort of scuttled to a sidewalk."