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Share the road: Rules on parkways

To provide more space for outdoor well-being, NCC parkways are often reserved for active use.
Gatineau Park Parkways

Survey on Gatineau Park parkway use

updated on April 6, 2021 The NCC invited members of the public to respond to an online survey about parkway
The feedback provided by participants will be considered as part of parkway programming for the spring
Gatineau Park’s parkways form a 38-km network of scenic roads that offer beautiful perspectives of the
In July 2020, the NCC opened the parkways to motor vehicles on Sunday afternoons and evenings to ensure
beginning in 2022 that could include sustained periods during which the parkways would be closed to

Gatineau Park’s Parkways to Close Overnight

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 8:00 pm New: When the Gatineau Park parkways
(weather and conditions on the ground permitting), a pilot project will be initiated, whereby the parkways
This is part of a multi-pronged approach to manage activities and traffic on the Gatineau Park parkways
The parkways will close to motorists approximately 30 minutes after sunset and reopen beginning at 8
Parkway access will be closed to motor vehicles only.

NCC to rename Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway

Macdonald Parkway on the basis of an Indigenous naming and engagement exercise, reflecting the longstanding
and important relationship of the Algonquin Nation to the Ottawa River along which the Parkway runs.
The new name of the Parkway will be determined by the board of directors at its June 2023 meeting following
peoples — specifically the Algonquin Nation — who had formally requested the NCC consider renaming the Parkway
Fall 2023: Unveiling of new signage along Parkway and final report summarizing the engagement process

Renaming the Parkway: Connecting communities through storytelling

Macdonald Parkway.
As part of this initiative, we are looking for your memories about the parkway and the surrounding area
They may also inform a future interpretation plan for the area, including the parkway and the riverfront

NCC Weekend Bikedays

Macdonald Parkway Both westbound lanes of the Sir John A.
take our team up to one hour to safely clear the parkways.
Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway Both lanes of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, running along
take our team up to one hour to safely clear the parkways.
Queen Elizabeth Driveway Schedule Gatineau Park Parkway Schedule

NCC announces 2023 active use program

Release May 1, 2023 National Capital Region—Rolling, cycling and walking on the Capital’s scenic parkways
Nearly 50 kilometres of parkways on both sides of the river will be periodically reserved for active
Parkway between the Aviation Parkway and St.
Macdonald Parkway schedule. Sir John A.
Macdonald Parkway and by 5 pm on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway.

Numbers at NCC sites

Parkways
The NCC offers parkways
Macdonald Parkway: 8 am to 4 pm (weekend) We counted an average of 650 visits per day.
Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway: 8 am to 4 pm (weekend) We counted an average of 650 visits per day
Champlain, Gatineau and Fortune Lake parkways are open to motor vehicle traffic every day from noon to

In-line Skating

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy scenic parkways in Gatineau Park that are closed to private vehicles and
30.5 kilometres are available for in-line skating during active use hours:  Gatineau Park Champlain Parkway
Fortune Lake Parkway 3.5 kilometres north of Chemin du Lac-Meech (between parking lots P8 and P9).
This applies to the parkways in Gatineau Park.
Gatineau Park Parkways Schedule

Gatineau Park’s in-between season

updated: October 14, 2022 When autumn’s brightly coloured leaves have fallen from the trees and the parkways
(Gatineau Parkways, Champlain Parkway and Fortune Parkway) switch to the winter schedule.
But the parkways are not the only roads leading to Gatineau Park. 
One small reminder: With the seasonal closure of the parkways, some trail starting points are no longer
You are allowed on the parkways until the first snowfall.

Young Entrepreneurs Program

Participants have an opportunity to run a kiosk on one of the car-free parkways during the popular NCC
entrepreneurs permit allowing you to run a kiosk for three Sarturdays or Sundays on one of the NCC’s parkways
First choice Vimy Place (Sir John A Macdonald Parkway) Kitchissipi (Sir John A Macdonald Parkway) Deschênes
Rapids (Sir John A Macdonald Parkway) Marina Road (Sir George Étienne Cartier Parkway) Somerset Street
) Kitchissipi (Sir John A Macdonald Parkway) Deschênes Rapids (Sir John A Macdonald Parkway) Marina Road

Waterfront Planning: How to Open the Waterfront to Everyone

Nineteenth and 20th century planners believed that, by creating a ribbon of green parkways along the
As a prelude to embarking on the next planning exercise for the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, this
for waterfront parks and promenades, cultural and heritage planning, and the history of the NCC’s own parkway
The presentation on the NCC parkways will briefly summarize the history and evolution of the NCC parkways
, and describe how recent NCC planning efforts to remake linear riverfront parks threaded by parkways

Cycling in Gatineau Park

You can bike on the Capital Pathway, on the Park’s scenic parkways or, during the proper season, on mountain
The parkways
When cycling on the parkways, you must respect Quebec’s Highway Safety Code.
Outside of special programming, parkways are shared with motor vehicles.
Share the road Some of the parkways and access roads are sometimes closed to motor vehicles to support

New speed limit on the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Colonel By Drive

Advisory September 15, 2022 National Capital Region—With the overall goal of improving safety on our parkways
This new change will ensure a uniform speed limit along these corridors, and increase safety on the parkways
With this change, the NCC hopes to continue improving the overall experience for all parkway and pathway
The NCC parkway policy is currently under review and should be completed in 2024.

COVID showed us ways we can make our cities more liveable

From Spring to Autumn 2020, the NCC opened its parkways to people, closing the majority of its 100 kilometres
In Gatineau Park, a massive protected area close to the capital’s urban core, the scenic parkways that
Most tellingly, the number of users on our parkways increased when they were closed to vehicular traffic
In 1970, the NCC was the first jurisdiction in Canada to close some of its parkways to cars on a regular
If there is a silver lining, it is that new best practices such as opening “parkways for people” might

King Mountain

get there The most direct access is from the King Mountain parking lot, accessible from the Gatineau Parkway
In summer, the parkway is open to motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians according to a variable schedule
In winter, the parkway becomes a cross-country ski trail, and King Mountain Trail is closed.
Gatineau Park Parkways Schedule Summer: How to get to King Mountain without a carIf you’re up for the
Turn left on Trail 8, cross the Champlain Parkway and then take Trail 37 until you reach the King Mountain

Report on Activities – April 2021

Ontario Parkways We have reserved the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, and the Sir John A.
Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier parkways for active use on the weekends of April 10 and April
As of May 1, the Ontario parkways will be open exclusively for active use on Saturdays and Sundays from
Gatineau Park Parkways As of May 1, we will launch a new pilot project in Gatineau Park.
The parkways will remain reserved for people and active use much of the time.

Lane closure on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway on June 2, 2023

:00 pm The eastbound lane on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
needed to install conduits for the new post and streetlights as part of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier parkway

Mackenzie King Estate

When the parkways are open to private vehiclesYou can access the Estate via the Champlain Parkway, from
the Gatineau Parkway.
Take the Gatineau Parkway from the Park’s south entrance (Boulevard des Allumettières or Alexandre-Taché
When the parkways are closed to private vehicles Take Kingsmere Road from Chelsea.
Access by bus is prohibited when parkways are closed to motor vehicles.

Pink Lake

In summer, the parkway is open to motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians according to a variable schedule
In winter, the parkway becomes a cross-country ski trail, and Pink Lake Trail is closed.
Then follow the Gatineau Park Pathway (Trail 5) until you reach the Gatineau Parkway, which takes you
By bike: Start at parking lot P6 (Mackenzie King Estate) and take Mackenzie King Road, Champlain Parkway
and Gatineau Parkway (8.6-km round trip).

Collaboration on Major Work on Meech Lake Road and Changes to Gatineau Parkway’s North Loop

Municipality’s rehabilitation project for Meech Lake Road and the future use of the North Loop, the Gatineau Parkway
This closure will also provide a stretch of the Gatineau Parkway for the exclusive use of all active
worked with users, community groups, municipalities, and emergency services on safety concerns on the Parkways
Its Parkways are a way to enjoy the Park during the snow-free period, both as a destination and as a
consultations towards renewing the Gatineau Park Master Plan, we heard significant support for increased Parkway

Seven Ideas for Family Outings in Gatineau Park

Safe cycling The hilly terrain of the Gatineau Park parkways presents a good challenge for athletic
For families, the 3.5-km segment (7 km round trip) of the Gatineau Parkway between parking lots P8 and
Popularly known as the North Loop, this section of the parkway network is fairly flat and open at all
When the parkways are open for active transportation only, park at parking lot P5, and make your way
along the Gatineau Parkway for 500 metres.

NCC Board of Directors Approves the Ottawa River South Shore Riverfront Park Plan

, pavilion and parking lot; Rochester Park and washroom facilities; a lookout on the river; and the parkway
of Ottawa, this plan buries the western light rail transit line under a reconstructed section of the parkway
The plan retains the four-lane configuration of the parkway.
of Ottawa, this plan buries the western light rail transit line under a reconstructed section of the parkway
The plan retains the four-lane configuration of the parkway.

NCC launches consultation on renewal of Sir George-Étienne Cartier riverfront park plan

Cartier Park Plan The plan will focus on a 13-kilometre stretch of federal lands that include the parkway
It extends from Rideau Hall at Princess Avenue at its western extremity to the terminus of the parkway
KEY FACTS The Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway corridor runs along the shore of the majestic
Capital Region, the NCC is responsible for protecting and preserving the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway

NCC’s guide to cycling in Ottawa–Gatineau

Plus, the NCC also offers over 50 km of parkways for active use many times a week. 
All cycling routes on NCC pathways and parkways are shared, either with other active users or with motor
by Lauren E (@ottawalauren) Every weekend from late spring to early fall, close to 20 km of parkways
Batlouni (@batlounis) This route follows the Ottawa River along the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
The parkways offer magnificent views of the Ottawa Valley.

Queen Elizabeth Driveway Active Use Program

From May to October, the NCC reserves some of its parkways in Ottawa for active use.
9 (Thanksgiving): Weekends and holiday Mondays * It can take up to one hour to safely clear the parkways
While you’re on the parkway, take a break at Confederation Park to enjoy food and drinks at the NCC Bistro
Check out our other car-free parkway programs on NCC Weekend Bikedays and in Gatineau Park.
NCC Weekend Bikedays Schedule Gatineau Park Parkway Schedule

Report on Activities – October 2021

Parkways for People Weekend Bikedays The extension of our Parkways for People pilot is showing success
To date, these sites – including the Gatineau Park parkways – have seen more than 715,000 visits.
received over 1,200 responses from users about plans for a park along the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
The aim was to ensure that all users get the best out of their experience on our pathways and parkways
have enjoyed the second year of our pilot program to increase opportunities for safe active use on the parkways

Single-lane closure on the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, May 15-17, 2023

Macdonald Parkway east of Island Park drive, from May 15 to May 17.

Report on Activities – October 2020

Pilot project on NCC parkways
Pilot projects closing NCC parkways on both sides of the river to vehicular traffic to create more room
To date the open parkways have received more than 600,000 visits.
Macdonald Parkway LeBreton bridge is expected to be complete next month.

Gatineau Park

Starts May 6 Parkways
The busiest areas are those along the parkway network, and around Meech Lake and Old Chelsea.
Accessible via the parkway

Closures as part of the Westboro Beach Area Redevelopment Project

Macdonald parkway Lower pedestrian pathway from the Westboro Beach parking lot to Island Park Drive
Macdonald parkway Closure map Please exercise caution, respect working crews and equipment, and obey

Three tips for taking in the fall colours in Gatineau Park

Those who frequent the Park on a regular basis stay away from the parkway
It’s also important to note that, during Fall Rhapsody, Gatineau Park parkways are open only for active
Motor vehicles can access the parkways daily from noon until 30 minutes after sunset.
And sometimes the parkways have to be closed temporarily during periods of heavy traffic.
transportation, the shuttle is the only way you can be sure to get to the popular destinations in the parkway

Westboro Beach Area Redevelopment Project

Kitchissippi Lookout into green space and a park, and is building a new parking lot on the other side of the parkway
schematic design submitted to NCC Board of Directors (January) Construction of services, as well as parkway
Ottawa’s LRT contractors Construction of the Westboro Beach parking lot (on the other side of the parkway

Hiking and Walking in Gatineau Park

Some starting points are located on the parkway network, which is open according to a variable schedule
Access to the trailhead from the Pink Lake parking lot follows the Gatineau Park Parkway schedule.
Access to the trailhead from the Lauriault and Waterfall Trail parking lots follows the Gatineau Park Parkway
Access to the trailhead from the King Mountain parking lot follows the Gatineau Park Parkway schedule
Parkways and access roads annual schedules More information and alternative routes to Lusk Cave

Report on Activities – June 2020

Pilot projects on parkways Pedestrians and cyclists on the Queen Elizabeth DrivewayMore than half of
the NCC’s parkways have now been set aside for the exclusive use of cyclists and pedestrians on weekends
Macdonald Parkway LeBreton bridge is nearing completion and is expected to be open by the end of August

Report on Activities - June 2019

Gatineau Park Parkways The Parkways in Gatineau Park are now closed to motorized traffic after dark
The Parkways currently close to motorists about half an hour after sunset, and begin to reopen at 8 a.m

Report on Activities – January 2022

Parkways for People
Champlain Parkway in Gatineau Park In winter, as in summer, the NCC
2021 season of the Active Use Program which involved the closure to motorized vehicles of 21km of NCC parkways
in Ottawa and 27km of parkways in Gatineau Park for active use between April and October.
results of this evaluation, the program proved very successful with over 730,000 active use visits to NCC parkways

Report on Activities - April 2019

Macdonald Parkway LeBreton Bridge This bridge, part of the Sir John A.
Macdonald Parkway between the Canadian War Museum and the Prince of Wales Bridge, is to be demolished
speed limit on the detour route will be 40 kilometres per hour, compared to 60 for the rest of the Parkway

Capital Riverfront Challenge 2019

A challenge in this area is that the parkway represents a barrier to safe access to the shoreline.
The challenge: Transform this space from a 1960s parkway on-ramp to a riverfront destination.

A host of NCC projects set to entice Ottawans to get some fresh air

Parkways for People In light of their massive popularity during the first two years of the pandemic,
Sunday Bikedays are now Weekend Bikedays, quadrupling the amount of time people can enjoy the Ontario parkways
Gatineau Park, we will pilot a summer shuttle service promoting weekend access to destinations along the parkways

Philippe Lake

Then, take Highway 366 west to Philippe Lake Parkway.
The parkway is open from mid-May to the end of October.
From that point, the rest of the parkway becomes a cross-country ski trail.

Gatineau Park shuttle

Hours and directions Gatineau Park Parkways Schedule
The shuttle will bring you to popular destinations near the parkways. 
Turn left onto Trail 37 and, after a short distance, you will cross Champlain Parkway.
In-line skating: In-line skates and roller skis are not permitted on the parkways when the shuttle is
reception varies depending on the telephone service provider and the location in the Park (including the parkways

Temporary closure of the Étienne Brûlé Lookout

Truck traffic will be present on Fortune Lake Parkway.

Report on Activities – January 2023

We started our “Parkways Planning and Design Guidelines” this fall.
us innovate on the active mobility front and ensure we are connecting our approach to changing city parkways

National Capital Commission

Greenbelt Rideau Canal Skateway Urban Parks Parkways
Rideau Canal Skateway Urban Parks Parkways

Contact our Media Team

-549-7203 sofia.benjelloun@ncc-ccn.ca The Greenbelt, Ontario urban lands and parks, Pathways and parkways

Temporary Closure of the Ottawa River Pathway and Voyageurs Pathway

Statement from Tobi Nussbaum on accident near Champlain Bridge Update on COVID-19 Gatineau Park’s Parkways

6 spots for a summer picnic

Macdonald Parkway (between Parkdale and Carleton).
Located on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway

Public Board of Directors Meeting

Macdonald Parkway
Macdonald Parkway on the basis of an indigenous naming and engagement exercise. .

Moving forward: Connecting LeBreton Flats to the Capital Pathway

Macdonald Parkway.

Urbanism Lab Lecture – Season 7

This Urbanism Lab event will engage experts in a discussion of planning for waterfront parks and parkways
, cultural and heritage planning and the history of the NCC’s own parkway planning.

Report on Activities - January 2020

The Lac Philippe Parkway has been completely rebuilt, including the sections within the campground, on
Macdonald Parkway LeBreton Bridge should be finished by July.

The art of maintaining Gatineau Park’s ski trail network

Early season grooming operations begin on the parkway network.
The parkways are paved and have no natural obstacles, so snow accumulates quickly there.

NCC will work with government to address significant infrastructure deficiency in response to Auditor General's special examination

than 10 percent of the region’s land mass, including thousands of assets, such as heritage buildings, parkways
the following assets: 1,700 real estate properties 1,000 buildings 300 km of pathways 125 km of parkways

Update on COVID-19

We encourage all users of NCC parkways, pathways and trails to carefully review and comply with the latest

Which NCC student job is right for you?

working with the Capital Planning Branch on a vegetation inventory of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
Sophie Brett (she/her), Weekend Bikedays Parkway Closure Coordinator

Gatineau Park parking lots

Hours and directions Gatineau Park Parkways Schedule

Building LeBreton reaches another significant milestone: Third call for developers

Macdonald Parkway.

NCC introduces updated Toponymy Policy

Macdonald Parkway.

Report on Activities - September 2017

Also successful was a pilot project encouraging young entrepreneurs to operate small kiosks along the parkways
This program was so successful that locations on the parkways had to be added to meet demand, and a survey

Virtual public Board of Directors meeting

Macdonald Parkway and Wellington Street.
It passes though LeBreton Flats, next to the parkway and north of Wellington Street.

NCC Board of Directors receives update on the Gatineau Park Master Plan review

More than 4,500 individuals commented on the operations and management of the parkways, the Curley Lake

NCC banning gas-powered small tools

It also builds on recent initiatives - such as the parkways for people pilot project and the construction

Building LeBreton: Progress update and launch of next development phase

Macdonald Parkway. The site is development-ready, with contaminated soils having been remediated.

Lusk Cave

From the parking lot, follow Trail 73 to Philippe Lake Parkway after Smith Beach (1.5 km on a steep and

Appointment Opportunity: Advisory Committee on the Official Residences of Canada

including Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt, real property, and other assets such as bridges, pathways and parkways

Views you need to see before the fall rhapsody ends

Head here during Fall Rhapsody to see the Ottawa River Parkway surrounded by colourful trees.

Report on Activities – January 2021

Macdonald Parkway bridge project was substantially completed in October and re-opened to traffic on October

Progress Update: Providing Environmental Leadership in the National Capital Region

Macdonald Parkway, the Britannia pathway wall, and the Blair Road boat launch.

Flight of the Monarch Butterfly

surveyed the population of monarch butterflies close to P3 parking lot (Gamelin Street and the Gatineau Parkway

Report On Activities - June 2018

Macdonald Parkway’s LeBreton Exit Bridge. Both of these projects are to be completed in 2020.

Gatineau Park Master Plan

Improve user safety on the roads and parkways. Formalize new welcome areas.

The buzz on bees

Garden, located in the Green’s Creek sector, near parking lot P27 on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway

About Us

manages Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt, the Rideau Canal Skateway, urban lands and parks, pathways, scenic parkways

Report on Activities – October 2022

From May to August 2022, a total of 318,800 people used the NCC parkways

Stories of Our Past

It was in the 1903 beautification plan that a system of parks connected by parkways was proposed. 
And, by 1925, the OIC was maintaining several parks and parkways.

Spring Awakening: Biologists on a Mission to Protect Wildlife

that help protect animal species on the roads: Wildlife crossings Closure of the Gatineau Park parkways

Post-convoy, let's focus on shaping a more beautiful, resilient Ottawa

Meanwhile, thanks to the success of pilot projects born of the pandemic crisis, our parkways, long reserved

Interprovincial Crossings: Refresh of Technical Studies

Corridor 5), which extends from Highway 50 and along Montée Paiement in Gatineau, connects at the Aviation Parkway

New poll shows increase in public engagement and awareness of NCC activities

followed by Gatineau Park (47% versus 45% in 2014), the Greenbelt (46% versus 40% in 2014) and the parkways

Report on Activities - November 2019

Macdonald Parkway Bridge The existing bridge has been demolished, and the foundation of the new bridge

2022 Annual Public Meeting Summary Report

• Will the programming for the 2023 season include opening the parkways to cars?
• As part of this process, there will be a survey on the NCC’s active use and parkways program.
• In the coming years, the NCC wished to put in place a permanent parkways schedule to balance
the Gatineau Park parkway roles, as established in the Gatineau Park Master Plan.
Macdonald Parkway, so this was the first renaming taken under the policy and, as part of the policy

Report on Activities – June 2021

Favourable conditions have allowed us to continue facilitating outdoor activities, whether on the Parkways

One year as NCC CEO

current job, how many bridges the NCC owned, I would have estimated: between interprovincial bridges, the parkways

Report on Activities - April 2022

Mobility in the capital It will be a busy construction season on interprovincial bridges, parkways

Hiking a lesser-known trail in Gatineau Park

We head out together on Trail 50, along the Philippe Lake Parkway

Report on Activities - January 2019

Macdonald Parkway is to begin this summer.

Report on Activities - September 2019

Macdonald Parkway began in May, and demolition of the existing structure is complete.

Ottawa–Gatineau: Walking in a winter wonderland

Macdonald Parkway. Ski Heritage East Trail This trail is located in the east end of Ottawa.

Protecting bats

per week, from mid-June to the end of July, to determine the distribution of bat species along the parkways

A biologist's take on #Bluesnest

the two adults left the unhatched egg in the nest and moved away, south of the Sir John A Macdonald Parkway

Report on Activities – June 2022

Every weekend from May to October, the NCC opens our parkways exclusively for active use, morning and

Report on Activies - June 2017

with Junior Achievement Ottawa that invites interested young people to operate kiosks on select NCC parkways

Investing in the National Capital Region’s Infrastructure

has the stewardship of 11 percent of the region’s land mass, and assets such as heritage buildings, parkways

Gardens and the Healthy Cities

with the historic Ottawa River by reimagining and transforming the riverfront lands adjacent to the parkway

GP Summer Trails Map

Promenade à horaire variable (Voir au verso) Parkway with variable schedule (See reverse) . .
Gatineau Park’s scenic parkways provide access to a vast network of hiking trails, as well as lakes
Horaire des promenades Parkways Schedule Les sentiers de cette carte ont été localisés par la Division
Promenade à horaire variable (Voir plus bas) Parkway with variable schedule (See below) . . .

Gatineau Park Summer Trails Map 2023

Promenade à horaire variable (Voir au verso) Parkway with variable schedule (See reverse) . .
Gatineau Park’s scenic parkways provide access to a vast network of hiking trails, as well as lakes
Horaire des promenades Parkways Schedule Les sentiers de cette carte ont été localisés par la Division
Promenade à horaire variable (Voir plus bas) Parkway with variable schedule (See below) . . .

Urban Design Challenge 2023

properties throughout the Capital, including historic buildings and places, public spaces, parks, squares, parkways

A 2023 00042

sites NCC assets: Gatineau Park, Greenbelt, Rideau Canal, urban parks, real estate, bridges, pathways, parkways
1,700 properties; 1000 building - Bridges (145), including Interprovincial Bridges (2) - 100+ km of parkways
1,700 properties • 1000 building • Bridges (145), including Interprovincial Bridges (2) • 100+ km of Parkways
replacement of the Alexandra Bridge, the Sir George-Etienne Cartier Park Plan , and the Sir John A MacDonald Parkway
Caesar - Apr 4, 2023 Word Matched : , national capital commission, and you still want to close the parkway

A 2023 00029

$12,777,204Hog's Back Swing Bridge $16,423 $229,715 $597,507 $843,646 $12,361,937$11,518,291 7%SJAM Parkway
$1,277,204 11%Hog's Back Swing Bridge $229,715 $597,507 $843,646 $12,361,937$11,518,291 $16,423 7%SJAM Parkway