News Release
January 25, 2024
The National Capital Commission (NCC) has released results of its 2023 active use survey, which indicates high satisfaction rates and public support for the continuation of the parkways program.
For over 50 years, the NCC has been opening its scenic parkways for people to walk, cycle or roll, an initiative that has been replicated in countless cities around the globe. In 2023, nearly 50 kilometres of parkways on both sides of the river were transformed into a safe and environmentally friendly way to experience the beauty of the region.
Between July 13 and October 20, 2023, the NCC conducted a public online survey and received 10,686 responses from parkways program users and non-users in all areas of the National Capital Region.
Two-thirds of all respondents, or 69%, support the NCC’s commitment to creating car-free experiences on the Capital’s scenic parkways. This number increases to 85% in respondents who took part in the NCC’s 2023 program, which ran from May to early October.
The survey also indicates very high satisfaction rates with the NCC’s 2023 parkways program, notably:
- 88% for Queen Elizabeth Drive;
- 92% for the Kichi Zībī Mīkan;
- 97% for the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway; and
- 96% for the Gatineau Park parkways.
This survey is one of many data points the NCC will use to plan for the 2024 iteration of its parkways program, which will once again create a safe and sustainable experience for residents and visitors of the Capital Region at various times during spring, summer and fall. Electronic counters also provided a snapshot of the program’s increasing popularity, with more than 430,000 visits captured, representing an increase over the 2022 season, which saw approximately 390,000 visits.
Data for the 2023 season shows:
- Over 133,000 visits on the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, for an average of 1,502 daily visits;
- Over 56,000 visits on the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, for an average of 1,152 daily visits;
- Over 55,000 visits on Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, for an average of 1,173 daily visits;
- Over 186,000 visits on Gatineau Park parkways, for an average of 1,096 daily visits.
“These survey results tell us that both residents and visitors to the National Capital Region believe that the opportunity to enjoy our scenic parkways in an active, sustainable, and safe way is very much enjoyed and appreciated. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners and stakeholders to create spaces and experiences that make our region a wonderful place to live and visit.”
—Tobi Nussbaum, CEO, National Capital Commission
Links
- NCC Parkways Program: 2023 Season Highlights
- NCC Weekend Bikedays
- Queen Elizabeth Active Use Program
- Gatineau Park Parkways Schedule
- Gatineau Park Shuttle
- Share the road in Gatineau Park
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Media Information
Benoît Desjardins
NCC Media Relations
613-859-9596 (cell)
benoit.desjardins@ncc-ccn.ca