Lansdowne Traffic

Well, it's getting closer, isn't it?  I don't mean Christmas (although it is getting closer too!), I'm talking about the launch of Lansdowne.  Have you been by there lately?  Wow!  I can almost imagine it in a finished state, even without the help of promo pictures.

To say it's been a long road for our community is an understatement.  However, we do seem to have turned a corner and are now starting to think about next June, when parts of the development will officially open.  One particular area the GCA has spent a significant amount of volunteer effort to engage residents in is with respect to traffic and how both day-to-day and special event traffic will impact not only our neighbourhood, but also the success of the development.  And make no mistake, we are invested in the success of Lansdowne - it will serve no one well if it isn't successful.

 Many readers will likely remember participating in the GCA Traffic Committee's numerous consultation efforts:  there was a large survey (with almost 700 respondents), community meetings, door-to-door interviews, flyer drops and posters on telephone polls.  A much larger consultation on this issue (or many others) than done by the City itself.

And what was the result of all that engagement?  Almost 50 prioritized, well-researched, thought-out and reasonable recommendations for the City to take advantage of when planning for getting City of Ottawa residents to and from Lansdowne Park as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Because, if it isn't quick and efficient, people might not come, and if fewer people visit Lansdowne, be it for shopping or special events, the less successful it will be.  The City is concerned about the success of Lansdowne, isn't it?

Then why are they taking a "let's wait and see how bad it will be" approach with regard to Lansdowne traffic?  Of the  45 recommendations regarding day-to-day traffic issues made by the GCA, 7 have been accepted for implementation before Lansdowne opens.  Of our 17 recommendations regarding special events and traffic monitoring, only 2 have been accepted.

Come hear for yourself.  The Lansdowne Traffic Advisory Committee (LTAC), struck to "consult" with impacted communities regarding Lansdowne Traffic, and David Chernushenko, our Councillor, will be presenting their monitoring plan for Lansdowne on Monday, December 9, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at St. Giles Presbyterian Church (corner of Bank and First).  We'll be there too, along with Ottawa East Community Association and the Old Ottawa South Community Association. 

While we continue to advocate for changes with the Councillor, this may be one of the last opportunities for large-scale community input.

So, if Lansdowne traffic is something that concerns you, this is definitely a meeting you shouldn't miss.

See you Monday!
Christine