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While it might be getting a bit ahead of the game (but that is what this forum is for afterall) it will be interesting to see what project will be tackled next.

What I found interesting is that in the latest official transit plan LRT expansion has been moved away from the Transitway and onto arterials and in what would be its own corridors. So who knows how the next phase will be planned since up until recently the push had been for a conversion of the transitways themselves. I think a reasonable guess as too what will be next in line would be a small extension east down Montreal Rd (perhaps in conjunction with the new Rockcliffe development) and for the next major project it seems almost certain that it will be a line west to Kanata (according to whatever technical plan has been devised by then).

Edit: Here is a picture of the most recent plan (Ill link to one of better quality when I can get access my proper hosting server).

rapid_transit_network.jpg


Again, because actual information about the project and plans can be hard to get sometimes, I cannot be certain, but it does seem that the city is moving away from readapting transitway corridors (as was originally planned when they were built) and looking to develop a network that would coexist with current. I am not sure how effective this will be but the general idea is that with a new LRT network they can keep the current transitway at zero growth (or even negative growth) by using building new ridership and routes off of the new LRT capacity.
 
Good map Antiloop!

Just curious, how many forumers are living in Ottawa, and how many have lived in Ottawa? And how many are just Ottawaphiles?

Me, I've lived in Ottawa for university (for three years), and have friends and family there.
 
I have lived there, and I have many friends and some family that I never see. Ottawa's a wonderful city. I've become convinced that the Market is the best neighbourhood in Canada today, despite the embassy.
 
I'm living in Ottawa, Kansas and wonder what this transitway is that you guys are talking about? (;>

The southern rail link is there because they think spending a billi9on there will get lots of riders. But there is very few east-west traffic. Most of it terminates downtown. THey need to increase the comfort leve, service level and speed of the transitway. That means trains. Many councillors are now talking this way.

It will be interesting to see what happens next. Time will tell.
 
They are talking about making changes the transitway architecture. Instead of a star system they will move to a hub-and-spoke model. So, I will not longer be able to travel downtown on an express bus from Kanata. I will catch a local to the transitway then pick up a large articulated along the transitway. These will be running every 2.5 - 5 minutes during rush hours. That should improve some efficiencies downtown.
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The sooner they implement a hub and spoke system the better. That alone would work wonders for congestion on Albert and Slater. It would no doubt make the bus system more efficient too.

So how is it that a LRT that, for most of its length, seems to run more like an interurban train, with long, long gaps betwen stations, supposed to transition into a mixed-traffic gridlock situation, and still work? Won't it be like forcing a GO Train to run along Queen Street West for a couple of kilometers before popping back onto the Lakeshore line?
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There's a difference between an electric light rail vehicle and a diesel train with 10 cars. Train systems in Australia and Germany work as a hybrid between local rail and commuter rail, so I'm sure it'll be fine in Ottawa.
 
The southern rail link is there because they think spending a billi9on there will get lots of riders. But there is very few east-west traffic. Most of it terminates downtown. THey need to increase the comfort leve, service level and speed of the transitway. That means trains. Many councillors are now talking this way.
Click to expand...

Im not sure how much demand there would be in the eastern end of the city but the west seems like it would be a more than viable option. Bayshore, the Corel Center, Kanata, commuter traffic from Carlton Place and other smaller towns, as well as the points within the greenbelt (which could vary depending on alignment) all seem like strong trip generators.

Whether the line will replace the transitway as orginally planned or follows a new alignment, as seems to be the case now, will likely depend on what the city wants to achieve and how the N-S line performs. There is also the idea that a new line may benefit growth plans better. An east-west line that follow a new route could create new nodes for higher density, transit centered development in addition to the ones that allready exist along the transitway (even if they are somewhat underutilized at the momment).

I think once the new line opens and citizens get to see how a proper LRT line can function, it will be easier to gain support for the next phases. It will be interesting when the debates begin in another 5 years or so, especially given that the needs of the city could be quite a bit different if oil prices continue to rise and if growth rates continue to be healthy.

Edit: I know its not very likely but it would be great if the Ottawa and Gatineau began to cooperate and set an LRT link between the two cities. I know STO has looked at the option of an LRT line in Gatineau (how seriously it did/is considering it I'm not sure since I haven't kept up to date with their plans). From the point of view of someone who lived in Ottawa but also spent a fair amount of time in Gatineau a project like this would be tops on my wish list.
 
From: ottsun.canoe.ca/News/Otta...5-sun.html
____________________
First Nations group asks Ottawa to stop light rail project
Last Updated: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 | 8:54 AM ET
CBC News
An Ottawa-area First Nations group has asked the city to halt its recently approved light rail transit project until a land claim against a section of the route is resolved.

Chief Kirby Whiteduck of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, told the Ottawa Sun on Monday that his council has asked the city to stop construction.

The portion of the rail line in question runs through a section of the National Capital Commission's Greenbelt between Leitrim and Hunt Club roads.

Whiteduck, whose community is off Highway 60 between Ottawa and Algonquin Park, told the paper that no level of Algonquin government has ever signed a treaty to surrender the lands.

The Algonquins launched their 26,000-hectare land claim 23 years ago.

Negotiations began in January but such claims often take years to resolve.

Officials with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada confirm that there are ongoing negotiations between the city and the Algonquins over a piece of land that is supposed to carry the train.

Whiteduck told the Ottawa Sun that his council received a technical document from the city in the spring describing the project and requesting a response within a month.

But the documents are highly technical and the group's chief negotiator, Toronto lawyer Robert Potts, sent the city a letter asking for more time so the Algonquins could set up a technical advisory group.

Whiteduck told the paper that if the city proceeds with the project, the land would no longer be available and the Algonquins might seek a higher financial settlement.

Some city councilors said they weren't aware of the land claim and said they had concerns about how a delay might increase costs.

The city's solicitor, Rick O'Connor, told the Sun that the city only learned of the claim from the federal government in March. But he said the project has received environmental approval from the provincial and federal governments and will move forward.
 
I've become convinced that the Market is the best neighbourhood in Canada today, despite the embassy.
Click to expand...

I thought you were exaggerating at first, but having just spent the weekend in Ottawa, I think you're right. It's the most uber-vibrant neighbourhood I've probably been to in the country... even vs. the vibrant neighbourhoods of Montreal and Quebec City; there certainly is nothing comparable in Toronto. Sure, it's touristy, but still very impressive and reminicent of European city centres where you have huge throngs of people and street activity in the summertime. Ottawa in general is sorely underrated, I think it's a great place for a quick summer trip.
 
Ganj,

It is a wonderful place to lunch during the week day. The women that walk around there make me happy to be alive.
 
I've never been to Ottawa, but I'm happy for the residents of Ottawa that they have this LRT project going. If only it were so easy for Toronto to do expansion like this.
 
Concerning the Byward market in Ottawa,

With the introduction of even more residential building in the area, the market is not only thriving, but far more diverse and essential. Some of the best art galleries in Ottawa (which is art-starved) are now in the market. There are furniture and specialty kitchen stores among so many others. The interesting thing is how the typical "touristy" stores have fallen off. The attraction for visitors is that this is a thriving part of Ottawa, not a mere tourist attraction.
 
I think part of what makes the Market so interesting is that while many cities try to mix business functions and pleasure functions in the same downtown space, that doesn't really happen in Ottawa. Business remains largely in the Centertown area while the Market is where most of the restaurants, shopping, bars, the Market itself, etc are all located, as well as the National Gallery and even the embassies add to to the diversity and uniqueness of the area.

Overall there are very few cities the size of Ottawa in North America that have the same level of vibrancy and urbanity to them. As was said before, it's in large part the liveability of the city which is part of its attraction (in addition to the 'attractions'). The quality of life the city offers is among the best in Canada and in the summer, there are many days where I really miss the Canal and Gatineau Park.
 
The good thing for Ottawa is that there is a slow spill-over effect happening. You can actually go to Sparks Street at night (in the summer) and see patios open for business. There are even residential units up for rent as well now. Things are looking up thre.

Further west, Wellington/Richmond has filled in quite nicely. A number of new condos have gone up, or will be going up; and the GCTC's eventual arrival will put one of Ottawa's own good theatre efforts right in the middle of all of that.

There are still a few weak spots. One is Rideau Street, particularly from King Edward to the river. It is dead. The stretch of Montreal Road in Vanier if far more vibrant. Rideau east is such a contested piece of roadway.

With respect to the western portion of Rideau, the local city councillor has wanted rip down the bus shelters by the Rideau Centre in order to get rid of panhandlers and drug users. He also wants to put a freeze on any more homeless shelters in the general area (including in the Market). And, of course, King Edward remains a true and ugly scar.

Sort of off topic: any of you tried out the new Bridgehead Coffee shops. They are slowly making their way through the city.
 
Rideau and King Edward are certainly in need of attention. I don't know if tearing down the bus shelters will do much (other than make waiting for the bus in the dead of winter really cold) but one thing that could done is wall over the little alcove area in front of The Bay. That would be a great start. I think Rideau will be fine left to its devises given that there is enough taking place in the market and between Rideau and Ottawa U/Sandy Hill to serve as a catalyst for improving the area. King Edward is a different story. Its a shame because it could serve as such a wonderful entrance into the city from Gatineau but its so wide and filled with so many trucks that it really needs someone such as the city to step in and develop a large scale project.

I always liked Bridgehead. They were always comfy places to relax or do school work and their coffee was good. I used to always go to the one at Mank and Third in the Glebe, grab a coffee, and on nice days, sit outside near the bike racks and people watch.
 
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