Councillor Laura Dudas has been working to enhance safety on Orléans Boulevard since 2018, but recent provincial legislation is posing a challenge to Ottawa’s ability to modify its own roadways. Referred to as Bill 60, this comprehensive bill put forth by Premier Doug Ford’s administration in October is aimed at bolstering Ontario’s economy and boosting housing availability.
However, Bill 60 contains a provision that restricts municipalities from reducing car lanes to accommodate bike lanes or any other specified purposes. According to Dudas, this directive could stall or terminate various projects, including those involving cycling infrastructure that might impact vehicle flow throughout the city.
Orléans Boulevard serves as a vital route in the eastern part of the city, connecting residents to key facilities like schools and libraries. Dudas first encountered safety concerns from residents during her pre-council election canvassing in 2018. The proposed project, a multi-use pathway for cyclists, pedestrians, and rollerbladers, was envisioned to stretch from the Ottawa River to Innes Road, passing the future LRT station at Convent Glen.
The initiative was included in the transportation master plan, securing funding for consultants to assess feasibility and draft designs. With the introduction of Bill 60, progress on the project has hit a standstill, raising worries that the city may need to absorb costs incurred so far.
Rob Attrell, a member of the Convent Glen Orléans Wood Community Association and Bike Ottawa, shared Dudas’s disappointment, emphasizing the importance of transportation options for future generations. He highlighted the role of improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in achieving the city’s climate objectives and reducing traffic congestion.
David Shellnutt, a cycling advocate and personal injury lawyer, criticized the provincial government for encroaching on municipal matters, citing the negative impact of previous legislation like Bill 212. Dudas echoed the sentiment, stressing the necessity for collaborative discussions between the Ford government and municipalities to address actual needs.
Concerns loom over the fate of the Orléans Boulevard project under the new legislation, with city staff evaluating potential ramifications. Dudas emphasized the community’s right to decide on road safety measures, expressing disappointment over the lack of opportunity for public input under the current circumstances.