Debate over new sidewalks in Ottawa’s Manor Park neighbourhood

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Sidewalk plan hits dead end in Ottawa neighbourhood

Manor Park residents don’t want the city to ‘pave paradise’ with sidewalks

The City of Ottawa’s plans to install sidewalks on some streets in Manor Park is running into a dead end in the neighbourhood, with residents raising concerns about adding concrete walkways in the 75-year-old neighbourhood.

The construction project on Arundel Avenue, Braemar Street, Farnham Crescent, Finter Street, Jeffrey Avenue and Kilbarry Crescent includes watermain and sewer replacement work, the reconstruction of the road with new pavement and catch basins, and the construction of new concrete sidewalks and curbs.

“We have been talking about this for a while to try to reach a better consensus and a better place for the community,” Coun. Rawlson King said. “I am committed to doing that. I’m committed to listening; I’m not interested in prejudging. I want all the information and all the public input before a decision is made.”

Signs have appeared across Manor Park that state, “No need to build sidewalks. Manor Park, a planned community since 1949,” and “No sidewalks. Don’t pave paradise.”

“It would be a safer environment for cycling, for walking if the roads were better maintained.” Peter Burpee, a Manor Park resident, told Newstalk 580 CFRA’s Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal.

“Significant changes could be made to the traffic flow to calm the traffic than putting in sidewalks. Sidewalks really detract from the safety and connectivity of the community. The proposal for sidewalks is to connect sidewalks throughout the whole community. But, we are a self-contained residential area, wide-opened streets, designed as connected, safe community 75 years ago and functioning well.”

Burpee says the look of the sidewalks are number 10 on the list of issues with sidewalks.

According to a city staff presentation for tonight’s public meeting, the Official Plan and Pedestrian Connectivity notes sidewalks are mandated on at least one side of local roads to promote walkability and reduce car dependency. Under Pedestrian Connectivity, the presentation says, “aims to create a safe, accessible, and well-connected pedestrian network linking homes to schools, parks, transit, and shops.”

Staff also note the Transportation Master Plan focuses on walking and cycling as key transportation modes and sidewalk expansion are required on at least one side of new local roads, and “will be pursued on existing local roads where possible.”

“By providing dedicated walking spaces, sidewalks promote walking as a mode of transportation, which can lead to healthier lifestyles and reduced traffic congestion,” the presentation said.

“Sidewalks separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing safety for all road users.”

Burpee says the city should install sidewalks “where they are needed.”

“The Manor Park Public School has no sidewalks in front of it. It’s been an issue for probably 20 years,” Burpee said, noting it will be seven to 10 years before a sidewalk could be installed.

“If you’re putting sidewalks in anywhere, don’t put them in a residential area where there is no problem.”

Many residents walk, run and bike through the neighbourhood, and say the streets are safe.

“People right now drive slowly because there’s no sidewalk, cars park on both sides,” Andre Audette said. “There are kids playing in the street.”

However, Chantal Hurtubise says sidewalks are essential to connecting her to the community.

“I need them. If there was no sidewalk, I would not be able to walk with his and feel safe. Sidewalks are important to have,” Hurtubise said during a public meeting Wednesday night.

The Manor Park Community project involves the following streets:

• Arundel Avenue, from Farnham Crescent to St-Laurent Boulevard
• Braemar Street, from Ava Road to Arundel Avenue
• Farnham Crescent, from Ava Road to north-side dead-end
• Finter Street, from St-Laurent Boulevard to west-side dead-end
• Jeffrey Avenue, from St-Laurent Boulevard to Braemar Street
• Kilbarry Crescent, from Sandridge Road to Ava Road

The Manor Park construction project is expected to cost $18.9 million, and will be completed by the fall/winter of 2026.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Dylan Dyson and Shaun Vardon