RULES FOR PARKING CHANGED DURING THE BUS STRIKE

Normally there is a limit on how long people can park on downtown streets. Even where there are no meters, there is a three-hour restriction.

To help people cope during the bus strike, these rules have been relaxed. Where there are no parking meters, the three-hour limit will not be enforced. Remember this is just where there are no meters during the strike. As well restrictions on parking during snowstorms still apply (winter parking rules are in effect when over seven centimetres of snow is forecast. You can sign up for e-mail alerts at https://ottawa.ca/city_services/parking/signup_en.html).

WHY THE BUS LANES BETWEEN MOODIE AND EAGLESON CAN’T BE USED FOR ALL TRAFFIC

During the strike cars and taxis are permitted to use almost all bus lanes. The ones on the Highway 417 between Moodie and Eagleson and on Highway 174 are the exception.

Highway 417 is a provincial road. Under the provincial Highway Traffic Act the paved shoulders are designated only for use by buses and emergency vehicles when flashing lights and sirens are operating.

An additional concern is that these lanes merge back into other lanes at each underpass. This is a significant problem on Highway 174 where people using the bus lanes through Orléans would have to merge back into other lanes several times over a relatively short distance. Because the number of vehicles using these lanes would be considerably higher than the number of buses, it is felt this would increase congestion.

PREVENTING DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS FROM OCCURING

One problem that has occurred in a number of parts of Kanata is that key road links have not been completed until most of the neighbourhood had been developed. Goldridge in Kanata Lakes and Bridgestone in Bridlewood are two of the more notorious examples. Without these links traffic problems are increased and side streets experience more traffic than they were intended to accommodate.

The root cause is that developers were not required to complete these roads during the early phases of construction. Without any requirements, construction took place in a way that made sense for developers, but did not always meet the needs of people living in new neighbourhoods.

In the planning approval process I have been working to reduce this problem. While there are times when this requires a fight with developers, it is also possible to get developers to agree to conditions requiring them to complete key road links first.

The SOHO development along Cope west of Eagleson is an example. To avoid putting more pressure on Eagleson, Cope had to be connected to Terry Fox. In the approval process, the developers agree to a condition that will enable the City to refuse to issue occupancy permits until Cope is connected to Eagleson.

This condition ensures that additional traffic on Eagleson will be kept to a minimum. It also will provide an additional route to Terry Fox for Bridlewood residents.

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THE BEST FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

I would like to extend my best wishes to you and your family for Christmas and NewYear. It has not been an easy year for many people, but the chance to spend time with family and friends during the holidays is a source of comfort and a pick-me-up.

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA SOUTH

I appreciate the chance to hear from you about issues affecting our community. You can reach me at 580-2752 (office), 580-2762 (fax), www.feltmateforkanata.com or peggy.feltmate@ottawa.ca