On November 20, representatives of the RHPOA participated in the second Public Consultation Group Meeting conducted for the Montreal-Blair Road Transit Corridor.  

The meeting was hosted by the Study Team who are currently investigating ways to improve the efficiency, environmental and mobility options for transit, cycling and pedestrian traffic along the Corridor.  The Corridor has been identified as the section of Montreal Road between St. Laurent Blvd. and Shefford Road, and Blair Road between the NRC Campus east gates and the LRT Station.

The Study includes a specific focus on connectivity with the Blair LRT Station and consideration for future travel demand.

During the meetings, representatives of the Wateridge Community Association emphasized the benefits of routing transit from the northeast secton of Wateridge through the NRC campus to the Blair LRT Station. We suggested that some public transit to and from Wateridge should run through the NRC lands, including under Montreal Road via the existing underpass which connects the north and south campuses. From the south campus, transit could access Blair Road to and from the LRT Station.  This would serve both Wateridge residents and NRC staff.

Conceptual graphics depicting cross-sections of various road options under consideration in the Study Area were also presented at the meeting.

A key consideration of each potential option is the physical road space that would be required, whether the space is available in existing rights-of-way, and/or whether the potential exists for land purchase to expand rights-of-way. The right-of-way on Blair Road north of Montreal Road, for example, is smaller than expected given the Hydro corridor running along the west side of Blair. Another key consideration is the amount of space required for active mobility such as cycling, running and pedestrian traffic.

We encourage you to share your views at the first PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE this Wednesday, December 4 at the Pat Clarke Community Centre (formerly the Cyrville Community Centre). The Study Team will be on hand with story-boards describing the project goals and criteria, along with the aforementioned graphics depicting cross-sections of road options under consideration.

The Open House offers a great opportunity to speak directly with members of the Study Team and get more information.

The RHPOA will remain involved in the Study project and welcomes your comments or concerns. Use our Contact Page to get in touch.

For more information, visit the OPEN HOUSE Event Page on our website or the project page on the City of Ottawa website.