I successfully reincluded the expansion of Prince of Wales Drive on the road projects list in the most recent Transportation Master Plan update. Though a two-year delay in that process meant there was less progress than I had hoped, its inclusion is an important first step towards its long-overdue expansion.
Next term of Council, I will continue to lead the process towards realisation, including advocating for higher priority. Prince of Wales is an important transportation corridor with immense traffic pressures, and communities outside the ward like Quinn’s Pointe and Manotick are only continuing to grow. Despite the project’s importance, public funds must still be used responsibly. I will ensure all project components are either safety critical or absolutely necessary during design phase consultations.
The project will also include a parallel multi-use pathway, sound barriers for Rideau Glen, intersection realignment at Merivale-Holborn, and active transportation improvements over the Jock River.
Recognising that flex stakes, road markings, and signage are ineffective traffic calming measures, I created a plan with City staff to install speed humps/cushions to improve safety on residential collectors and streets across the ward. The first speed humps and cushions were installed on Springbeauty and Deerfox last year, and Earl Mulligan this summer, with Cresthaven (by the schools) and Grovehurst set for installation in the autumn.
The available funding limits speed hump/cushion installation to two or three streets per year, but I will continue working through the queue throughout the next term.
When the provincial government ended the use of automated speed enforcement cameras in Ontario last year, they created a fund to help municipalities install speed humps/cushions, road markings, and signage (including the massive new signs required in school zones). The first release of that funding is limited to former speed camera sites, but a future release may help accelerate more traffic calming projects across the city, including in Barrhaven East.
Major intersections
Minor intersections
Limitations of assessment process
Resurfacing needs to also look at collectors and residentials. Process improvement?
Keep tabs on sections of sidewalk with asphalt patching, follow-up for proper concrete panel replacement.
Though higher priorities are listed above, it doesn’t mean I’ll ignore everything else, right down to a hyperlocal issue like a broken valve cover.
Let’s chat about what’s important to you!
