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.

Are you concerned about the increase of speeding and dangerous driving in and around the neighbourhood? The Traffic & Safety Committee reached out to our local Community Police Officer and she pledged to put in a word for increased enforcement. But did you know that OPS primarily respond to data-driven enforcement?

At the time of writing this article (April 23, 2020), traffic is calm in Old Ottawa South. There are fewer cars on the road and the Bank Street Canal Bridge has been re-configured to allow more space for pedestrians and cyclists. Isn’t it wonderful! But we are all looking forward to some degree of normalcy returning to our lives and our streets. Unfortunately some of the traffic and safety issues will return as well. In anticipation, the OSCA Traffic and Safety Committee has developed objectives for 2020/21 and on April 21, 2020, these were endorsed by the OSCA Board of Directors, so work will begin.

A Reminder About Traffic Complaints

Have you witnessed dangerous behaviour on the road such as speeding or distracted driving? Or do you know of an intersection where motorists routinely ignore the stop sign or run the red light? If so, the Ottawa Police Service would like you to make a traffic complaint using their online reporting system.

Back in December 2019, we hosted a public forum on Bank Street Transportation through Old Ottawa South and the Glebe. We know the street does not currently meet the needs of all road users. As a first step, we have released our As We Heard It report. This report includes the presentations by community groups and city staff, as well as the feedback we received before, after, and during the meeting.

As part of the City of Ottawa infrastructure work in the northwestern area of the neighbourhood, a couple new bicycle lanes are being added to the road network. Now in place is the section on Seneca Street, southbound, from Sunnyside to Cameron Avenue.