West Gatineau Tramway & Downtown Loop | Proposed

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Richard Eade

Not precisely on topic, but, perhaps something that should be kept in mind, since we seem to be including ‘The Loop’ in this thread:

It is not only the Alexandra Bridge that needs to be replaced in the near future; the Chaudière Bridges are also approaching the end of their lives. Putting the tram on a rebuilt Chaudière crossing could put a tram line down through ZIBI and right beside the Canadian War Museum. If ‘The Loop’ is to be of benefit to tourists, then that might be a better option than the Portage Bridge (which is still in, relatively, good shape).

One of the reasons that the STO chose the Portage crossing was that it allowed the Tram to get closer to the large government campuses. If there is a loop that passes along Laurier, between the Alexandra and Chaudière replacements, then that becomes a moot point. The Portage crossing would still win on speed, though.

I would prefer Chaudière as well. It hits an one more National Museum and would be hugely beneficial to Zibi itself to have the tram right through the heart of it.

That said, I'm fine with Portage as the tram would still serve the northern edge of Zibi.

[Multi-modal]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I would prefer Chaudière as well. It hits an one more National Museum and would be hugely beneficial to Zibi itself to have the tram right through the heart of it.

That said, I'm fine with Portage as the tram would still serve the northern edge of Zibi.

Chaudière would better serve a number of destinations, but I'm not confident the City/NCC/Gatineau could get the transit priority to work well.

I doubt ridership would warrant a station, but its feasible that they could put a station on Victoria Island and then add a pedestrian bridge from Victoria Island to the east side of Zibi:

[J.OT13]

That would be a worthwhile project.

[Aylmer]

It would be an interesting addition in combination with the long-promised Indigenous Peoples' centre, Asinabka. There's likely a practical and symbolic value in having a station there in the future.

In fact, the Loop map shows exactly that:

[Aylmer]

<NCC has joined the chat>

Nussbaum: National Capital Region 'Loop' is an idea whose time has come



As COVID-19 continues to disrupt old habits and impels us to rethink how we move from home to work to play and back, a confluence of transportation initiatives currently underway offers an opportunity to rethink connections within the urban core of the National Capital Region.

First, at the request of the government of Canada, the National Capital Commission (NCC) is currently undertaking a long-term interprovincial crossings plan, looking at expected future trends and the infrastructure required to meet them. Second, public consultations are underway regarding the planned replacement of the government of Canada-owned Alexandra Bridge as it approaches the end of its lifespan. Third, the City of Gatineau and its public transportation agency – Société des Transports de l’Outaouais (STO) – are embarking on a tramway project that would see the tracks cross over to Ottawa via the NCC-owned Portage Bridge with proximate transfer opportunities with the City of Ottawa’s public transit system and downtown destinations.

So the timing, a few days ago, was auspicious on the part of the Supporters of the Loop – a network of citizens from both sides of the river – who launched their own campaign advocating for a tramway loop around Confederation Boulevard, lining Gatineau and Ottawa. The proposed loop would link Wellington Street and a north-south corridor such as Mackenzie Avenue or Sussex Drive with Laurier Avenue in Gatineau via the Alexandra and Portage bridges. Their renderings of the loop envisioned a future car-free Wellington Street with a tramway, a tree canopy, and wide pedestrian and cycling paths.

Together, these projects and plans offer us a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be visionary in our planning and bold in our implementation.

Building on the proposed STO tramway project, a Confederation Boulevard transit loop would make crossing the river easier for both Gatineau and Ottawa residents alike, providing convenient access to federal government job sites, arts and entertainment venues, restaurants and shops, and serve to deepen the ties in the region. It would also offer visitors to the Capital a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the main capital attractions – from Parliament Hill to our national museums, from our stunning shorelines to our majestic monuments.

These many benefits were foreseen when the NCC included the idea of a transit loop in its 2013 Interprovincial Transit Strategy and its 2017 Plan for Canada’s Capital. While it seemed only aspirational then, it seems much more possible now. The Alexandra Bridge replacement project offers the opportunity to ensure a streetcar can be accommodated from the get-go. The STO proposed link into Ottawa could be planned as a first phase of an eventual loop. And at a time when governments are moving to net-zero carbon in the coming decades, electrifying our transportation system has taken on an even more urgent priority.

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There would clearly be challenges to meet. The views of the municipalities of Gatineau and Ottawa are critical as key partners, owners of the roadways and public transit operators. Funding for the project would need to be identified. Residents of the capital, affected communities and many other stakeholders would first need to be consulted.

However, if these important considerations can be met, a completed transit loop would be an inheritance to our children of not just better connections, but a more inspirational capital. The current renovation of Parliament Hill, combined with plans for the re-imagining of the buildings on the south side of Wellington Street, will make the Parliamentary Precinct even more spectacular. A tree-lined boulevard that prioritizes people over cars and offers a place to appreciate the splendour and importance of the surrounding buildings and spaces would enhance every visiting Canadian’s experience of their capital.

The Supporters of the Loop have challenged all of us to use this moment to pursue a project that would achieve an even better Capital for residents and visitors alike. For our part, challenge accepted.

[...]

Tobi Nussbaum is CEO of the National Capital Commission.

[TransitZilla]

Originally Posted by Aylmer

<NCC has joined the chat>

It's awesome that the NCC supports the loop. But that must mean that their preference is the "Wellington without Traffic" option? That's the only way to get this to work. How to convince Ottawa City Council?

[Truenorth00]

Truly shocked that the NCC supports the loop. I am so happy to be wrong on this one. I thought they'd never agree to getting rid of car traffic on Wellington.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by bradnixon

It's awesome that the NCC supports the loop. But that must mean that their preference is the "Wellington without Traffic" option? That's the only way to get this to work. How to convince Ottawa City Council?

I don't think the City of Ottawa has much say in this going forward. The Feds/NCC could easily take full control of Confederation Boulevard and do what they please.

Although I'm generally supportive of the idea, I'm not sure how I feel of having two streets in a row closed to motor vehicles (Sparks and Wellington).

[Truenorth00]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I don't think the City of Ottawa has much say in this going forward. The Feds/NCC could easily take full control of Confederation Boulevard and do what they please.

Although I'm generally supportive of the idea, I'm not sure how I feel of having two streets in a row closed to motor vehicles (Sparks and Wellington).

Are you kidding? A proper pedestrian area near the Hill is awesome!

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Truenorth00

Are you kidding? A proper pedestrian area near the Hill is awesome!

I'm not totally opposed to a pedestrian area in front of Parliament, but I'm not sold on having two pedestrian streets over two blocks.

[Aylmer]

I agree that in the absence of any reason to do it on Wellington, it would be better to advocate for pedestrian spaces elsewhere. But I also don't see what would be the downside of it happening now that there is an opportunity.

In any case, what I hear is that, loop or not, the Feds are planning to close Wellington to vehicular traffic, making the question moot.

[Baybreeze12]

Originally Posted by Truenorth00

Are you kidding? A proper pedestrian area near the Hill is awesome!

I second this. It would mean Sparks would no longer be a pedestrian island. Proper tie-in to the Hill and river MUPs too? Yes, please.

[TransitZilla]

The City report on this coming to Transportation committee next week (http://ottwatch.ca/meetings/file/665032) is very odd.

It recommends support for the Sparks Tunnel and the "Wellington with Traffic" options, but not the "Wellington without Traffic" option, but it doesn't seem to really say why.

I don't see how the loop can work unless the "Wellington without Traffic" option moves forward.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I'm not totally opposed to a pedestrian area in front of Parliament, but I'm not sold on having two pedestrian streets over two blocks.

It would be pretty straightforward to simply push traffic from Rideau to the east and Wellington to the west towards Elgin/O'Connor onto Laurier/Slater, no?

Originally Posted by bradnixon

I don't see how the loop can work unless the "Wellington without Traffic" option moves forward.

Agreed.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by JHikka

It would be pretty straightforward to simply push traffic from Rideau to the east and Wellington to the west towards Elgin/O'Connor onto Laurier/Slater, no?

To clarify, I'm not against the idea of closing Wellington, but the flow of vehicular traffic has to be considered. At the moment, Elgin going south to turn left on Laurier is jammed in the PM and same with Rideau/Sussex. Lots of instances of cars blocking intersections. Having cars turn multiple times to avoid Wellington would only worsen the current situation. If we were to prohibit right turns on red lights and give everyone their own light (all pedestrians, n/s traffic, e/w traffic, left turns), then some of the issues could be improved. Furthermore, if the new Alexandra were to be closed to traffic, that would go a long way to clear Wellington-Rideau-Sussex.

[JayBuoy]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

To clarify, I'm not against the idea of closing Wellington, but the flow of vehicular traffic has to be considered. At the moment, Elgin going south to turn left on Laurier is jammed in the PM and same with Rideau/Sussex. Lots of instances of cars blocking intersections. Having cars turn multiple times to avoid Wellington would only worsen the current situation.

So in other words drivers would be encouraged to use other forms of transportation. I don't see why thats a bad thing?

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

To clarify, I'm not against the idea of closing Wellington, but the flow of vehicular traffic has to be considered. At the moment, Elgin going south to turn left on Laurier is jammed in the PM and same with Rideau/Sussex. Lots of instances of cars blocking intersections. Having cars turn multiple times to avoid Wellington would only worsen the current situation. If we were to prohibit right turns on red lights and give everyone their own light (all pedestrians, n/s traffic, e/w traffic, left turns), then some of the issues could be improved. Furthermore, if the new Alexandra were to be closed to traffic, that would go a long way to clear Wellington-Rideau-Sussex.

Easy solution, something like (though maybe extend the hours):

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by JayBuoy

So in other words drivers would be encouraged to use other forms of transportation. I don't see why thats a bad thing?

It's not just for drivers. It's unpleasant for cyclists and pedestrians to stroll along a roadway packed with loud cars spewing exhaust. Building the tram, removing cars from Alexandra, these things will encourage more people to use alternative modes of transportations, but we still need to come-up with solutions that will reduce impact on car congestion.

Originally Posted by roger1818

Easy solution, something like (though maybe extend the hours):

Honestly, rights on red lights should be outright banned everywhere IMO. People don't pay attention.

I've come close to about a half dozen accidents over the last 3 years tuning left from Trim to Innes with a left turning arrow because those turning right from Trim to Innes assume they have the RoW.

I'm stressed every time I'm turning right trying to figure out who has the green (to avoid such situations as Innes and Trim) while an asshole behind me is hocking his horn.

Turning right downtown is almost impossible because of all the pedestrians, hence why I think every mode should have their own green light, just like Quebec City, Dundas and Yonge and many other major cities in the world.

[OTSkyline]

Add me to the "not sure this is a good idea" group. I'm still not sold that this very expensive loop project would be worthwhile. Who will this mostly serve? Hull & Aylmer residents wishing to access downtown Ottawa and some tourists (should that resume post-COVID). The reverse flow - of Ottawa residents needing to access Hull or Aylmer is much smaller.

Also as mentioned, the flow of traffic will become even worst if Wellington were to be closed. In all of the CBD (and Centretown for that matter) there are only 3 major east-west routes;
-Parkway/Wellington/Rideau
-Scott/Albert/Slater
-Laurier
And each one of these options are sub-optimal (Rideau right now is closed, Albert/Slater dumps you on the Mackenzie King Bridge and continuing further east is a challenge, And Laurier doesn't connect on the west side).

This will just make traffic flow even worst downtown with minimal benefits. If this closure was for a "Confederation Line" with that much capacity and passenger flow, then sure. But this loop would have major disruptions with nowhere near the same number of passengers.

Lastly, we already complain that our CBD is a ghost town, with very little residential or lively activity today. Closing Wellington to traffic (and having Sparks closed as well and Queen being a one-way) would only worsen this situation. Wellington is lined with government buildings - no residential or retail so it will be a dead zone the majority of the time. This is not a high-density square in the middle of a huge metropolitan European city like Milan.

[Harley613]

I agree with you completely this is a vanity project, form over function. I don't want the governments in our region spending 10 billion + on an integrated transit system unless it's PROPERLY integrated and a 'No Car' Wellington is a 'No Go' as far as I'm concerned.