Build a Footpath from Cahill West to the South Keys Rail/Transitway Station
- submitted by Alan Asselstine 4 Sep 2006

Concept

Ottawa Council has approved a South Keys light rail station (on the north-south line) adjacent to the existing transitway station and the South Keys shopping mall.

The soon to be completed Sawmill Creek constructed wetland, located primarily in the vacant land bounded by Hunt Club Road, Walkley Road, the Transitway and the Airport Parkway, will consist of a series of ponds and control structures in a landscaped, park-like setting with recreational paths.

For over 40 years, there has been an informal footpath from Cahill Drive West at Plante Drive to the west side of Bank Street, as people prefer that route over the pedestrian-unfriendly Hunt Club Road.

Proposal

That the Hunt Club Community Organization requests the city to construct a footpath from Cahill Street West at Plante to the South Keys Rail /Transitway Station.

Why?

1. Such a path would be a constructive way to facilitate use of both the city's light rail and bus public transit systems. It would allow the residents of both South Keys and Hunt Club to safely utilize the park-like setting being established with the Sawmill Creek constructed wetland. It would be safer then the current informal path or walking/biking on the parallel section of Hunt Club Road.
2. The construction of this path would involve the construction of a foot bridge over the Airport Parkway, a small bridge over the Cahill tributary of Sawmill creek and a western access door to the South Keys rail/transitway station. Now is the time to embark on this project. The South Keys station is now being planned and so the additional access can be planned and installed at minimum costs. The wetlands project is being completed and the path could be incorporated in the project. The bridge over the Airport Parkway would be the most costly aspect of the project. However, this area of the parkway is lit and so electricity is available.