Scenario One

Creates a public space adjacent to the east façade of the Government Conference Centre. The underpass and MacKenzie Avenue ramp extension is removed and all pedestrian circulation is at grade.

A small island at the intersection of Colonel By and Rideau serves as a refuge for pedestrians crossing the street. It is the most minimal intervention.

- About 900 square metres of commemoration space

- All existing pedestrian crossings are maintained

- Existing traffic patterns are maintained

Scenario Two

Creates a central, triangular-shaped space for public gathering and commemoration.

The space is defined and contained by a ceremonial streetscape with wide promenades.

A centre median divides Colonel By. A new pedestrian crossing of Rideau is located at MacKenzie. The underpass and MacKenzie ramp are removed. Bike lanes provided.

- About 1,700 square metres of commemoration space

- Pedestrian landing areas at Rideau intersections are enlarged

- Sussex is one-way northbound to St. Patrick

- Traffic lane widths are adjusted to accommodate wider sidewalks

Scenario Three

The entire area east of the Government Conference Centre to the intersection of Colonel By and Rideau is dedicated to public space.

The space is contiguous across the south side of Rideau strengthening relationship to Rideau Canal, Confederation Square and Confederation Boulevard.

A grand boulevard is developed along Colonel By. It is envisioned with wide sidewalks and centre medians. New pedestrian crossings of Rideau at Mackenzie link directly to the space.

The underpass and MacKenzie ramp are removed. Bike lanes provided.

- About 2,100 square metres of commemoration space

- Pedestrian landing areas at Rideau intersection are enlarged

- Sussex is one-way northbound to St. Patrick

The service will be made available through bike rental stations to be set up at various points throughout the downtown core of both Ottawa and Gatineau. Users will also be able to submit comments and suggestions about the service at these rental stations.

This is, ofcourse, good news. I suspect at this first stage it will primarily benefit tourists, but when fully implemented should help those that take the bus into the downtown in the morning, but need to do some running about during the day.I think that the ultimate idea is to echo Paris’ rent-a-bike system, which is unbelievable in both its scope and use. I was there in the summer (I have pictures, and will eventually blog about my adventures, seriously!), and I think I saw more people using the rental bikes than personal ones.

Some important questions to be answered:

1. What does “various points” mean? I assume that there will be something in the Market, along the Canal, and closer to Bank, but I also really hope that they put something further south in the core as well.
2. Will you have to return a rented bicycle to the same location?
3. How big will the trial run actually be?