Comments are requested by April 22, 2021 on the proposed changes for the Bank Street Canal Bridge.

What: The City is designing improved active transportation (i.e., cycling and pedestrian) facilities on the Bank Street bridge over the Rideau Canal. In September 2020, City Council members endorsed a concept design for the bridge crossing that included a reduction of vehicle lanes over the bridge from the existing four lanes to three lanes in order to accommodate active transportation facilities.

The City of Ottawa has once again converted the outside curb lanes on the Bank Street Bridge for more space, safety, and active transportation.

Reconfiguration of Bank Street Bridge Public Consultation

Permanent changes are also coming to the bridge, moving from a 4-lane model to a 3-lane model. The display boards showing the proposed changes have been uploaded to the project webpage.

Have you been bothered by the increase in heavy truck traffic on Sunnyside Avenue over the years? Non-local heavy trucks continue to use Sunnyside Avenue despite regulations that prohibit this. Heavy trucks can use non-designated truck routes for local deliveries and servicing, but this is meant only as an exception. Their use on this narrow residential street interfere with day-to-day life, work and sleep. It increases the risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and students, parents and employees of Hopewell Public School.

An important traffic safety upgrade was recently completed on the request of OSCA's Traffic & Safety Committee.

You may have seen or heard that Ottawa's Transportation Committee voted unanimously in favour of a Bank Street Bridge redesign plan. The plan will now go to Council for a final vote. At the Transportation Committee meeting, chair Sue Neill made a submission on behalf of OSCA's Traffic and Safety Committee. Below is the full text.

The Bank Street Canal Bridge has been a source of concern for neighbouring residents for years. At street level, it is unsafe and unpleasant for pedestrians and cyclists. From a distance, the bridge is beautiful with its rounded arches crossing the canal and has a historic designation – it should be a joy to cross, but it is not.

Since he has been in office, Councillor Shawn Menard and his staff have been working with City staff to try and find a solution to the woes of the bridge. Over the summer, he has asked for input to several proposals.

The bridge rehabilitation will involve concrete repairs to the Bank Street Canal Bridge. The works consist of concrete repairs to the bridge piers and arch soffits under the bridge. Options are currently being evaluated for the implementation of a multi-modal transportation system including safer cycling lanes over the bridge.

A reminder to all now that more activity is happening in the neighbourhood: traffic complaints can be reported online at OttawaPolice.ca or by calling 613-236-1222; parking infractions can be reported online or by calling 311.

Capital Ward Councillor Shawn Menard has proposed a redesign of the Bank Street Canal Bridge: three vehicle lanes, two northbound and one southbound, with two widened pathways on either side, thereby improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Ottawa Police Service Frontline & Traffic officers are working to address concerns about stunt drivers, street racers, along with the related obnoxious and unnecessary noise associated with this careless and dangerous behaviour. On the weekend of June 20-21, 2020, over 300 charges were laid.