Meeting included updates for Bay Ward
This week had a lighter schedule for committees but we did hear from Senior Staff at the Light Rail Subcommittee whose mandate is to provide oversight and focused attention on non-operational matters related to Ottawa’s light rail systems (LRT), including all light rail construction projects, as well as the City’s action plan in response to the Ottawa Light Rail Public Inquiry and other third-party.
This meeting gave an update on the construction of the Stage 2 LRT across the city, both Confederation and Trillium lines. Given the importance of this project to Bay Ward I had a number of questions regarding the ongoing work and its impact on residents in our ward. I took this opportunity to thank the Stage 2 team, Damon Berlin and Rosanna Baggs, for their ongoing efforts to mitigate and work on the daily impacts this project has had on the community including overnight construction.
I reminded the subcommittee on how heavily Bay Ward is impacted by the Stage 2 construction but also how this transit system will be a huge game changer to our communities in the long run. I emphasized the importance of the connectivity routes to the transit stations for cyclists and pedestrians (separately whenever possible) and how we must make pathways a priority. I asked about including lighting on the new Woodroffe pedestrian bridge. I crossed it in the dark the other night and agree that it would be better to have low level lighting on the route. I inquired about the possibilities of opening the Queensview pedestrian bridge before the transit system is open. I realize the complications of construction at this specific station but even a difference of months would make a positive impact for residents to connect the south and north sides of the Queensway in this area. One piece of good news is that the pathway connection between Severn and Queensview Avenues will likely be available well before the operation of the transit system.
I also asked about when the Pinecrest ramp closure will reopen and was disappointed to hear that there have been delays and urged senior staff to make this opening a priority. I will keep the community informed of the specific date for reopening. At this time the projected date is now December.
I appreciate public answers to my questions and will continue to raise the issues of the Bay Ward community.
