In 2021, the NCC built a new pathway connecting the Capital Pathway along the Ottawa River to the Pimisi and Bayview O-Train stations at LeBreton Flats. The creation of this pathway is part of the new LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan, which was approved in 2021.
The latest on the project
The pathway opened to the public in December 2021, following construction work which was carried out in the summer and fall.
The work undertaken included the following:
- installation of construction fencing, and demolition and removal of materials
- grading and drainage work, as well as paving for the new pathway
- extensive landscaping work, including planting 21 new trees, creating planting beds and seeding with native and naturalized species
- installation of wood fencing along sections of the pathway
- installation of seating areas and lighting, as well as restoration of the guardrail along the aqueduct
Remaining works, such as pavement painting, landscaping and signage installation, will be completed in spring 2022.
About the project
The NCC gathered feedback on the pathway project during a public consultation held from December 2020 to February 2021. All the feedback, along with responses to comments, are summarized in the consultation report.
Pathway design
The pathway design follows the NCC Capital Pathway Strategic Plan. The universally accessible pathway features two segments totalling approximately one kilometre.
Segment 1 of the pathway connects from the Ottawa River Pathway along the historic aqueduct to the Pimisi O-Train station. It features a segregated bikeway and pedway, separated by a landscaped median. This segment includes a “slow zone,” west of Pimisi Station, with places to sit, rest and take in the view of the aqueduct. The NCC is considering future uses and programming for this area, such as concession vendors, small events or other uses.
Segment 2, connecting from Segment 1 to the Bayview O-Train station, is a four-metre-wide multi-use pathway.
Timeline
- Online consultation period: January 22 to February 14, 2021
- Design approval: Spring 2021
- Construction period: Summer–fall 2021
- Open to the public: Late fall 2021
About the site
The pathway will connect through the future Parks District of LeBreton Flats. It will provide access to the future Capital park, active park and urban playground areas in the Parks and Public Realm Strategy of the LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan.
The existing and surrounding area is a brownfield site which contains contaminated soils, including a former municipal landfill. As part of this project, we replaced soils in the slow zone to remediate the area.
Remediation of the remaining soils will be undertaken when the area is developed to its ultimate use, with new parks and public realm surrounding the pathways. Until that time, fencing and landscaping will be used to keep people on the pathway.
During the 2021 winter season, the pathway will again be groomed as part of the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail. Future approaches to winter maintenance will be determined based on public consultation and the ongoing pilot project.
