Transportation Committee

WHEREAS the federal government, through Public Services and Procurement Canada, is redeveloping the block bounded by Metcalfe Street, Wellington Street, O’Connor Street and Sparks Street, known as the future “South Block”; and WHEREAS PSPC has indicated that they may require the reduction of Wellington Street to only one lane of vehicular traffic for several years to facilitate the construction of this project; and WHEREAS traffic volumes in the downtown core are returning to pre-COVID levels and Wellington is a crucial east-west traffic spine, even more so in light of the upcoming renewal of Albert and Slater streets; and WHEREAS the traffic plan submitted to-date would cause a pinchpoint on Wellington; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Transportation Committee recommend that Council direct staff that any temporary construction encroachment permit issued related to the South Block project require that Wellington Street be open at all times to one vehicular lane in each direction and one segregated cycling lane in each direction; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT if PSPC indicates that this is not possible, that staff bring forward a report to Transportation Committee prior to the issuance of any temporary construction encroachment permit for the vehicle or cycling lanes on Wellington Street; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT prior to any subterranean ROW License of Occupation for Wellington Street being granted to PSPC, that staff report out on this matter to Transportation Committe

WHEREAS the federal government, through Public Services and Procurement Canada, is redeveloping the block bounded by Metcalfe Street, Wellington Street, O’Connor Street and Sparks Street, known as the future “South Block”; and WHEREAS construction is estimated to be completed in 2034 and will significantly disrupt the public realm on these streets, as well as impair annual signature tourism events and local economic activity in the neighbourhood; and WHEREAS the federal government has a responsibility to ensure that as a good neighbour it must provide support to the impacted businesses and tourism sector throughout this decade of construction; and WHERAS City Council approved a public realm plan for Sparks Street in 2019 and formally asked PSPC to contribute financially towards its implementation with no response received; and WHEREAS through its approval of the Term of Council City Strategic Plan this Council has approved a strategic priority of “reimagining the downtown” and established the priority objectives of “increasing the public realm in strategic locations” and “increas(ing) economic activity, safety, and tourism”; and WHEREAS through its approval of the City Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, Council approved Action Item 2.2 “Advance Downtown Redevelopment Projects” and specifically “Secure the funding required to advance significant downtown revitalization projects, including ByWard Market and Sparks Street Public Realm Plans”; and WHEREAS the City of

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Transportation Committee approve the addition of the item “Trim Road Community Safety Zone” under “Other business” for consideration by the Committee at today’s meeting, pursuant to subsection 89(3) of the Procedure By-law (being by-law no. 2022-410) to allow for the prompt implementation of the Trim Road Community Safety Zone if approved by Council.

WHEREAS Trim Road between Watters Road and Portobello Boulevard serves as a critical arterial route in Orléans; and WHEREAS this segment of Trim Road is a vital active transportation corridor for students, given its proximity to local schools and community parks; and WHEREAS recent years have seen an alarming increase in speeding and drag racing incidents along Trim Road; and WHEREAS the Cardinal Creek Community Association has identified significant safety concerns for vulnerable road users; and WHEREAS Community Safety Zones are a tool to help reduce the speed travelled along the roadway and to improve the safety of vulnerable road users in this area; and WHEREAS the community has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding the persistent and dangerous speeding issues on this stretch; and WHEREAS the Ottawa Police Services have indicated their support for implementing measures to enhance safety and address the speeding problem on Trim; and WHEREAS Community Safety Zones in Ottawa are established via delegated authority of the General Manager of Public Works and the Director of Traffic Services within locations that meet the Council-approved criteria for the installation of Automated Speed Enforcement; and WHEREAS the segment on Trim Road between Watters Road and Portobello Boulevard does not meet the Council-approved criteria for Automated Speed Enforcement; and, WHEREAS based on a speed survey conducted in July 2024, Trim Road between Portobello Boulevard/Springridge Drive and