For Immediate Release
March 31, 2025
ALTA VISTA TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR CHANGES MEAN IT WON’T GO THROUGH THE PEOPLE’S PARK
Capital Ward Councillor Shawn Menard is happy to announce that the field beside 170 Lees Avenue—known as “the People’s Park”—is no longer being considered for a freeway. In the most recently updated draft of the city’s new Transportation Master Plan (TMP), staff are recommending that field and Rideau River overpass be removed from the route of the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor.
This good news comes after months and years of advocacy from residents, the local community and the councillor’s office.
The Alta Vista Transportation Corridor (AVTC) was conceived of as a four-lane freeway running from Walkley Road to the Queensway. Such a plan would have had the road cut through this well-enjoyed community greenspace in Old Ottawa East. It has been a part of the city’s Official Plan since 1966.
With the proposed change, a future AVTC would run from Walkley to Hurdman Station (see: Diagram 1). It would not cross the Rideau River or go through the People’s Park, avoiding costs (estimated at more than $150 million) to the city, as there would be no need to build a bridge or an expensive interchange.
“I commend staff for the work they’ve done on this issue,” said Councillor Menard. “After a thorough review, after in person meetings with the mayor onsite, and after consulting with the hundreds of people who spoke up in favour of saving greenspace and reducing unnecessary road expansions, we will see these necessary changes to the AVTC.”
The councillor went on to note the importance of community engagement on this process. “This has been a really important issue for the residents of Old Ottawa East, and for the people who come from across the city to enjoy the park,” continued Menard.
He noted that with its proximity to the Lees LRT Station, as well as transit service along Lees Avenue and Main Street, there was no longer a need for a freeway through the community. “Certainly, there are better uses for this field than a roadway,” he said.
City consultations on the new TMP will continue through the spring, before going to committee and council for ratification.
Diagram 1
The northern segment (Hurdman to the Queensway) is recommended to be removed.
The southern segment (Conroy Road to Hospital Link Road) remains in the plan.
For more information on the AVTC and the People’s Park, please visit the councillor’s website.
For more information on the review of the TMP, please visit the Engage Ottawa website.
Click here to download this press release.
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