HomeThe proposed 56-kilometre Greenbelt Pathway is designed to provide a continuous and varied recreational and educational experience along the complete length of the National Capital Greenbelt, from Shirley’s Bay in the west to Green’s Creek in the east. The pathway will connect many attractions, and link with other pathways within the National Capital Region.
To date, 23 kilometres of the Greenbelt Pathway have been completed. The next section of pathway proposed to be completed is a 7.6-kilometre section between Russell Road near Ramsayville Road and the intersection of Albion Road and Leitrim Road.
The goal of this project is to provide a cost-effective, environmentally and socially responsible route for the proposed three-metre-wide stone dust pathway, which will showcase the natural features and rural character of the Pine Grove Forest Area.
Impacts and Issues
This section of pathway is remote from major residential areas.
Approximately 70% of the proposed pathway alignment will use existing forest access roads and trails through tree plantations. The remaining new linking sections have been designed with the objective of minimizing the impacts on identified significant vegetation and natural features.
Issues that were considered in arriving at a proposed pathway alignment include:
- Quality of the recreational experience;
- Location of proposed roadway crossings;
- Minimization of watercourse and ditch crossings;
- Proximity of adjacent rural residential properties;
- Loss of and nuisance impacts on agricultural land; and
- Universal accessibility
As a result of this analysis a preferred pathway alignment has been identified for this section of the Greenbelt Pathway (See plan).
Under section 5 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, an Environmental Assessment is required for this project because the NCC is the proponent of this project. The assessment will supplement route selection considerations with background studies that will include hydrological investigations of ditch crossings, additional vegetative investigations and a breeding bird survey of the proposed pathway corridor through new linking sections of pathway. The relevant Conservation Authorities will also be contacted with respect to fisheries issues related to proposed ditch crossings. Should you believe that there are other environmental issues that should be considered, you are invited to contact the NCC, see contact information below.
A signalized pedestrian crossing is proposed for the busy 4-lane Bank Street crossing of the Greenbelt Pathway, mid-way between Davidson Road and the Conroy/Bank intersection at an existing forest access gate. A Roadway Modification Approval Application will be made to the City of Ottawa. As part of this process, the City will be undertaking its own public consultation process for this proposed crossing.
Pathway construction
Construction is proposed to begin in August 2010 and continue through the winter. The project is expected to be completed by March 31st, 2011.
Please note that the sections of forest access roads and trails being converted to stone dust pathway will be restricted from use until the completion of the pathway due to their status as a “construction site” under the Canada Labour Code. The daily schedule of construction work will adhere to municipal bylaws.
The NCC would like to thank trail users for their understanding and patience during the undertaking of this work. To provide your comments, please contact the NCC before June 4th, 2010 at:
National Capital Commission
Public Affairs
202–40 Elgin Street
Ottawa ON K1P 1C7
Tel.: 613-239-5000
TTY: 613-239-5090
Related Links:
- www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca
- Greenbelt Pathway - Pine Grove Sector (pdf - 1.4 Mb)