Chief William Commanda Bridge (former Prince of Wales Bridge)

[VANRIDERFAN]

Took a walk across the bridge yesterday. I was alone but there was tracks from previous trespassers . The bridge section of the trail had a bit of drifted snow on it but was 95% clear of all snow and ice.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by VANRIDERFAN

Took a walk across the bridge yesterday. I was alone but there was tracks from previous trespassers . The bridge section of the trail had a bit of drifted snow on it but was 95% clear of all snow and ice.

Not the first time I hear that. Seems to be self-maintaining for the most part.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Not the first time I hear that. Seems to be self-maintaining for the most part.

Yup. As the Ancients predicted.

Mr. Leiper: Tear, down, this, gate.

[Uhuniau]

I didn't not cross the bridge again on Friday and Saturday. On previous occasions, when I didn't not cross the closed bridge, you could get a good read on how many other people weren't not still using it by observing the footprint and tire tracks in the snow.

There was no snow to leave tracks in at all. Nor was there even any ice or compacted snow-ice left.

[dougvdh]

Originally Posted by Uhuniau

I didn't not cross the bridge again on Friday and Saturday. On previous occasions, when I didn't not cross the closed bridge, you could get a good read on how many other people weren't not still using it by observing the footprint and tire tracks in the snow.

There was no snow to leave tracks in at all. Nor was there even any ice or compacted snow-ice left.

On the other hand, on the weekend, the canal was all snow and ice and it was packed with people, both on skates and walking, and having a great time.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by dougvdh

On the other hand, on the weekend, the canal was all snow and ice and it was packed with people, both on skates and walking, and having a great time.

Oblivious to the dangers!

[zzptichka]

Those Quebecois beavers are not having it

[DTcrawler]

How long until they hire a couple GardaWorld blokes to post up on either end of the bridge and sleep... er, I mean "monitor" it 24/7 for any suicidal daredevils?

[zzptichka]

The walk was gorgeous.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by zzptichka

The walk was gorgeous.

Lol did we pass each other?

[AuxTown]

It's easy to forget that there is an entire km between PDVC and Zibi from this vantage. Love that our skyline is (sort of) getting some depth once and for all rather than the great wall of Lyon.

[ponyboycurtis]

Originally Posted by AuxTown

It's easy to forget that there is an entire km between PDVC and Zibi from this vantage. Love that our skyline is (sort of) getting some depth once and for all rather than the great wall of Lyon.

This entire area offers fantastic views. I love looking at the Parkdale/Westboro skyline from the boardwalk at Zibi. A couple more modest buildings filling the center of this frame is perfect. I'm happy they aren't 100m plus towers to be honest.

[rocketphish]

Rite of spring: Chief William Commanda Bridge reopening on Friday
The popular multi-use pathway over the Ottawa River had been closed off for winter as of early December.

By Staff Reporter, Ottawa Citizen
Published Apr 10, 2025 | Last updated 6 hours ago

The Chief William Commanda Bridge over the Ottawa River will reopen on Friday, the City of Ottawa has announced.

The popular multi-use pathway between Ottawa and Gatineau had been closed for the winter season as of Dec. 4, with the City of Ottawa saying it was not designed for winter pedestrian or cycling use and the structure of the bridge did not allow for safe plowing, salting or grit operations.

Last year, the bridge opened for seasonal access as of March 25.

A memo from Alain Gonthier and Dan Chenier, respective general managers of public works and recreation, cultural and facility services, said city staff would monitor weather patterns, and in the event of a weather event or drop in temperature causing snow and/or ice accumulation on the bridge deck, may close off access again temporarily using a new permanent gate installed prior to the winter season.

The memo also said snow fencing had been installed on a 50-foot section of the Ottawa side of the bridge prior to the closure in December. Limited snow accumulation was recorded, but staff are to review for snow retention for the 2025/2026 winter season, “and, if there is sufficient snow accumulation, will consider test grooming,” it added.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/chief-william-commanda-bridge-reopening

[zzptichka]

Originally Posted by rocketphish

Rite of spring: Chief William Commanda Bridge reopening on Friday
The popular multi-use pathway over the Ottawa River had been closed off for winter as of early December.

By Staff Reporter, Ottawa Citizen
Published Apr 10, 2025 | Last updated 6 hours ago

The Chief William Commanda Bridge over the Ottawa River will reopen on Friday, the City of Ottawa has announced.

The popular multi-use pathway between Ottawa and Gatineau had been closed for the winter season as of Dec. 4, with the City of Ottawa saying it was not designed for winter pedestrian or cycling use and the structure of the bridge did not allow for safe plowing, salting or grit operations.

Last year, the bridge opened for seasonal access as of March 25.

A memo from Alain Gonthier and Dan Chenier, respective general managers of public works and recreation, cultural and facility services, said city staff would monitor weather patterns, and in the event of a weather event or drop in temperature causing snow and/or ice accumulation on the bridge deck, may close off access again temporarily using a new permanent gate installed prior to the winter season.

The memo also said snow fencing had been installed on a 50-foot section of the Ottawa side of the bridge prior to the closure in December. Limited snow accumulation was recorded, but staff are to review for snow retention for the 2025/2026 winter season, “and, if there is sufficient snow accumulation, will consider test grooming,” it added.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/chief-william-commanda-bridge-reopening

If you think about it, it was only closed for people with mobility issues and disabilities. Everyone else could just step through the low fence and keep going.

Thanks city lawyers for screwing people who actually need your support.

[J.OT13]

• Video Link

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

• Video Link

Hang a bicycle/walkway on the side and go for it. Vastly preferable to, and cheaper than, running a tramway into the heart of the Hill.

[harls]

Would have been cool if they included a rail connection when they rehabilitated it at the time.

[zzptichka]

If only either city wanted to use it for train. Gatineau wants Portage, NCC wants Alexandra, Ottawa doesn't want anything.

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by zzptichka

If only either city wanted to use it for train. Gatineau wants Portage, NCC wants Alexandra, Ottawa doesn't want anything.

Ottawa would accept this in a flash over Portage, I should think. Is Alexandra still in play?

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by kwoldtimer

Ottawa would accept this in a flash over Portage, I should think. Is Alexandra still in play?

Why? The only destination on the other side of the river is UQAM, which I can’t imagine is a huge draw for Ottawa residents.