Bill 60 threatens 'dream' of multi-use pathway in Orléans, says councillor
Proposed law could affect projects across the city, Laura Dudas worries
Gabrielle Huston · CBC News
Posted: Nov 09, 2025 4:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 5 hours ago
Coun. Laura Dudas says she has been trying to make Orléans Boulevard safer since 2018, but new provincial legislation is threatening Ottawa's ability to alter its own roadways.
"I'm utterly disappointed," Dudas said. "When the province makes a decision that really dictates what the municipality can do on its own roadways, that is a significant cause for concern."
Bill 60 is an omnibus bill proposed by Premier Doug Ford's government in October. The provincial news release says the legislation aims to "protect Ontario's economy" and increase the housing supply.
But Bill 60 also prohibits municipalities from reducing the number of lanes available for motor vehicles to add bicycle lanes or "any other prescribed purpose."
"[Ottawa city] staff advised me that, you know, not only this project, but projects across the city — anything that includes any piece of cycling infrastructure that would reduce the lane size, that would impact vehicular traffic — could either be on hold or killed outright," Dudas said.
Orléans Boulevard is a major artery in the city's east end, connecting residents to schools, libraries and homes.
Dudas said she first heard residents' safety concerns when she was door-knocking before being elected to council in 2018.
"They wanted something safe [so] that they can take their kids to all these places along Orléans Boulevard in one fell swoop and not have to interact with truck traffic or buses," she said.
Dudas said she had proposed a multi-use pathway for cyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians, one that would run from the Ottawa River past the future LRT station at Convent Glen and all the way to Innes Road.
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https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-bill-60-bike-lanes-orleans-boulevard-roads-9.6963631
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