Hi !
The city is in the midst of a functional design study of Beechwood Avenue to inform a planned full reconstruction project for the street. The city is running its public survey right now, see here:
https://engage.ottawa.ca/beechwood
This is something our councillor has pushed for; he helped secure $400K for the study as part of the 2025 budget process. While it's good that
something is happening, I can't help but feel disappointed about the limited scope of the study and survey, and pessimistic that anything much will come of it. There was a public Zoom meeting held about the process by the 5 surrounding community associations earlier this week, and many shared the same concerns. Why was the Vanier Parkway intersection scoped out... why are we limiting the study to existing public right-of-way and ruling out any acquisitions from the start... why is there no consideration of planned developments or infrastructure projects on Beechwood or very nearby (e.g., Wateridge, Kettle Island Bridge)... etc., etc. It feels odd to wave away all of these issues and start right away with park benches and street lighting.
Would be curious to hear others' thoughts. And I would appreciate it if anyone could help me feel a bit more optimistic, or at least help me understand why this feels so low-ambition (is it a budget issue, city incompetence, or local political dynamics) ? I must admit I am quite invested in the issue... Beechwood is my traditional mainstreet, and though I love walking down there, it is objectively quite ugly and chaotic. It feels like we should have the ability to create something better for the community, and not settle for half- (or quarter-) measures, even without breaking the bank!
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