City of Ottawa looking to redesign Bank and Leitrim intersection

An intersection in Findlay Creek that drivers say is dangerous is due for a redesign. CTV’s Dylan Dyson reports.

An intersection in Ottawa’s south end that has caused drivers headaches for years is set for an overhaul.

Riverside South-Findlay Creek Coun. Steve Deroches says the city is now engaging with residents on a redesign of the intersection at Bank Street and Leitrim Road.

“The intersection is a critical piece and is long overdue,” Desroches tells CTV News Ottawa.

“It is a rural cross section of road, and this is very much an urban part of the city. So, we want to bring this intersection that was conceived in the 20th century into the 21st century.”

Speaking with CTV News Ottawa on Monday, drivers in the area say the intersection is dangerous and problematic. There is a lack of dedicated right- and left-hand turn lanes, limited space for pedestrians and cyclists, and the east-west alignment on Leitrim Road does not connect well with the intersection, particularly due to an S-curve on Leitrim west of Bank.

“It will have proper turn lanes for all movements,” says Desroches. “It will have proper crossings for pedestrians. It will have the cycling connections.”

The proposed redesign will also see lane expansions in all four directions with added islands and turn corners for safety.

To complete project as proposed, Desroches says land needs to be purchased from the National Capital Commission, which he sees as the only barrier.

The Bank Street widening construction project isn’t expected to be completed until 2026. Desroches is hopeful the redesign of the intersection will start after that, in 2027.

A cost for the project has not yet been announced.

“This is a project that is going to get done,” says Desroches. “It is in the city’s plans. The money is budgeted for both design and construction. It’s not in this year’s budget because we’re not starting this year.”

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