National Capital Commission to Close Queen Elizabeth Driveway for Active Transportation on Weekends

The National Capital Commission (NCC) in Ottawa has announced the closure of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway for active transportation on weekends from May 11 to October 14, 2024. A shorter section of the driveway will remain open seven days a week during July and August. The decision has faced criticism from Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who expressed concerns about the closure last year.

Between May 11 and October 14, the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Sir George Étienne Cartier Parkway, and Kichi Zībī Mīkan will be open on weekends for active transportation, including biking, walking, in-line skating, using a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller as part of the NCC Weekend Bikedays program. In July and August, the Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be open for active transportation 24 hours a day, seven days a week between Somerset Street and Pretoria Avenue.

Last summer, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and some businesses criticized the NCC for closing Queen Elizabeth Driveway to vehicles seven days a week. Sutcliffe is now pleased that the NCC has decided to keep the driveway open to cars between Pretoria Bridge and Fifth Avenue on weekdays. "The program has been a point of contention, with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe arguing that the closures create traffic pressure for residents and limit accessibility to Lansdowne Park during major events," according to reports.

The NCC's recent survey indicates high satisfaction among residents and visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the scenic parkways in an active, sustainable, and safe way. The NCC has been providing car-free experiences on the Capital's scenic parkways since 1970, an initiative that has been replicated in many cities around the world.

Why this matters: The closure of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway for active transportation on weekends emphasizes the ongoing discussion between promoting sustainable transportation and addressing traffic concerns in Ottawa. The decision's impact on residents, businesses, and accessibility to popular destinations will be closely monitored as the city seeks to balance active living and urban mobility.

The NCC will also launch a Rideau Canal parkway study this summer to explore the feasibility of installing bike lanes along Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Colonel By Drive. The study aims to enhance pedestrian safety and separate faster-moving cyclists from the limited pathway space. Despite the criticism from Mayor Sutcliffe, the NCC's Weekend Bikedays program has been popular among residents and visitors, with over 240,000 visits to the three parkways last season.

Key Takeaways

• NCC to close Queen Elizabeth Driveway for active transport on weekends, May-Oct 2024.
• Driveway open 24/7 for active transport in July-August between Somerset and Pretoria.
• Mayor Sutcliffe criticized closures, but NCC survey shows high satisfaction with program.
• NCC to study feasibility of bike lanes on Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Colonel By Drive.
• Over 240,000 visits to NCC's Weekend Bikedays program on 3 parkways last season.