NCC is creating new regulations to improve the parkways in the Capital Region
The NCC's parkway network spans over 90 kilometers, connecting waterfronts, parks, and green spaces
This summer, residents of Ottawa had the opportunity to explore the Central Experimental Farm and Dow’s Lake on foot or by bike, thanks to the closure of the Queen Elizabeth Parkway to vehicles in July and August.
This closure is part of the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) initiative to reimagine its parkways, focusing on advancing sustainable mobility and promoting active transportation.
“The guidelines aim to provide a new vision, guiding principles and supporting policies for the parkway corridors, while acknowledging their heritage and legacy,” states the NCC project website. “The new guidelines will adapt to the different contexts and functions of each parkway and be better aligned with recent NCC plans and contemporary planning practices.”
The NCC's parkway network spans over 90 kilometers, connecting waterfronts, parks, and green spaces.
These parkways are distinct from municipal, regional, and provincial roads, emphasizing the cultural, environmental, and heritage value of their surroundings.
The draft vision includes six guiding principles for the planning, design, and stewardship of the parkway network: distinct experiences, views and landscapes; sustainable mobility and active use; safety, equity, and inclusivity; ecosystem preservation, rehabilitation, and urban resiliency; connections to surrounding areas and placemaking; and sustainable stewardship.
The NCC is currently engaging in public consultations, with final policies expected to be submitted for approval in the first quarter of 2025.
