Green streets for pedestrian safety
Current Projects
Past Projects
Neighbourhoods
LINKS
Ward Links
City Web Links
© Clive Doucet 2007
Ottawa, August 31, 2007, Metcalfe and Isabella –
“City streets should serve all our residents,” stated Councillor Doucet as he cut the ribbon today at the corner of Isabella and Metcalfe on a small and important pedestrian safety project. New sidewalk planters will protect pedestrians from the inconvenience of being splashed and the real dangers of being so exposed to three lanes of fast moving traffic onto the 417.
The planters are an innovative response paid for by the owners of the Palisades Retirement Residence helped in part by the Development Charge Relief accorded to builders who commit to construction in the shadow of the 417 between Bronson and Pretoria.
Isabella is not only a busy collector street serving principally as an access ramp for the eastbound 417 but it is also a busy pedestrian street. The Palisades Retirement Residence is home to several hundred seniors and the corner is a busy pedestrian crossing for commuters walking to and from downtown and to the Loblaws store.
At the moment, the city has no budget for pedestrian improvements. Councillor Doucet will be arguing for that funds be established for every ward across the city during the next budget debate.
Councillor Doucet thanks the owners of 480 Metcalfe, Joe Ger, Retirement Life Communities and John Enright, Doran Contractors; Les Klien, Quadrangle Architects; Rosemarie Leclair, Hydro Ottawa; Jane Ironside, city planner and, John Wright, landscape architect who all worked hard to add community value in a really tight urban space.