Councillor Scott Moffatt’s column

For the last couple of years, the City has been working toward a significant watermain project connecting the water system in Riverside South to Hillside Gardens and connecting with the watermain that serves Manotick along Rideau Valley Drive. This project provides a backup supply as the village is currently supplied only by the one main.

The City of Ottawa, having retained R.W. Tomlinson Limited to complete the work, has now commenced construction on the new watermains, and associated road and park rehabilitation work as part of the Manotick (Phase 1) and North Island Watermain Link project. Information for this project can be found at ottawa.ca/manotickphase1

The work now underway is expected to be completed in the fall of 2021. The schedule will be modified as needed, for example if weather affects the schedule, or if conditions change. Areas within the project limits, all or portions thereof, include:

• River Road from Solarium Avenue to Walter Upton-Collins Park
• Under the Rideau River from Walter Upton-Collin Park to David Bartlett Park
• David Bartlett park to McLean Crescent
• McLean Crescent from Driscoll Drive to Barnsdale Road
• Barnsdale Road from McLean Crescent to Rideau Valley Drive

Traffic impacts will include the closure of Barnsdale Road, specifically the Barnsdale bridge. It is to be closed to through traffic between Rideau Valley Drive and McLean Crescent from October 1, 2020 until the end of the year. Access to private properties on Barnsdale Road will be maintained throughout the construction period. Notice will be provided prior construction in front of your residence. Cycling and pedestrian access is expected to be maintained throughout construction. For instances where cycling and pedestrian access cannot be maintained on Barnsdale Road, cyclists and pedestrians will be detoured to Lockview Road and Beryl Gaffney Park, providing connectivity to Rideau Valley Drive.

OC Transpo Route 176 travels through the project; however, no impacts to the route and schedule are anticipated except for minor relocation of bus stops. Road, McLean Crescent, Rideau Valley Drive and Long Island Road will experience localized lane reductions during off-peak hours throughout the length of the project. Pedestrian and cycling access will be maintained where feasible.

To facilitate installation of the watermains under the Rideau River, both Walter Upton-Collins Park and David Bartlett Park will be closed to residents while construction is underway. Work is

expected to commence October 2020. The length of the Park closures is dependent on the

Contractor’s schedule and their staging plans; however, it is anticipated that the Parks will be able to open in 2021. Residents are requested to use Beryl Gaffney Park in the meantime, which is an off-leash dog park. Signage will be placed at the entrance of both parks.

Household Hazardous Waste Depot

I am pleased to inform you that the third and final extended Household Hazardous Waste Depot for 2020 will be held at the Barrhaven Snow Disposal Facility (Strandherd Drive and Dealership Drive). The Depot will be open from Wednesday, October 21 to Sunday, October 25 between the hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Indoor Public Skating

Indoor public skating will be available by reservation at five City arenas, starting Thursday, October 1:

• Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex – Orléans
• Sandy Hill Arena
• CARDELREC Recreation Complex – Goulbourn
• Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven
• Bell Centennial Arena

Skating schedules will be available online at ottawa.ca starting September 29. Since skating capacity will be limited to 25 skaters on each rink, you can reserve your 50-minute skate time up to two days in advance. Payment options for the admission fee vary at each arena. Please check ottawa.ca for more information. 

Children aged 10 and under must be accompanied by one parent or guardian – on-ice or as a spectator. Other skaters are limited to bringing one spectator. Use of the player benches are restricted to the skaters only – while maintaining physical distancing.

While masks are not required on the ice, they must be worn throughout the building. Skaters and spectators must also maintain two-metre physical distancing from people who are outside of their social bubble or household. Changerooms will be open but skaters are encouraged to arrive dressed to skate. Access to the arena and changerooms will be allowed 15 minutes prior to the skate. Remember, a CSA-certified hockey helmet is required for children aged 10 and under. 

Additional arenas will open on October 15 for more public and specialized skating sessions by reservation. Hockey programming, including shinny and adult pick-up, are included in the fall recreation e-Guides at ottawa.ca/recreation. Registration opens October 5 at 9 pm.  

If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at Scott.Moffatt@ottawa.ca or contact me by phone at 613-580-2491. For information on Rideau-Goulbourn issues, please visit RideauGoulbourn.ca.