Car-free streets: Ottawa city councilor bringing idea from Montreal

Following news that Montreal will make 11 of its streets car-free this summer, an Ottawa city councilor has expressed interest in bringing the idea to the area.

In a post on X Sunday, Ward 9 councilor Sean Devine asked residents, “Where else in Ottawa can you see something like this?” he asked.

Dozens of comments followed — many offering suggestions about which streets would benefit from sidewalks during the warmer months.

“Elgin is the best candidate,” explained Stephen Hickson.

“Bank Street, Elgin Street and Beeward Market must be pedestrianized,” Marko Milusevic wrote.

Downtown pedestrians on Saturday approved the idea. Eva Apostolova and Tamara Emond live in the Bayward neighborhood and say the closings could be the kind of change the market is using.

“I like the idea because we go everywhere,” Apostolova said.

“We don't have a car, so we rely a lot on walking, so I think that would be really nice,” Emond said.

For tourists like Mia Xu, road closures can be frustrating when walking.

“I love hiking, I love hiking and biking, so I think it's a great idea,” he said. “This allows the tourist to have a greater sense of security to walk to enjoy the scenery,” Xu said.

Some residents warned the city not to make Spark Street a pedestrian destination.

“(Spark Street) is a complete and utter failure and dead zone on mornings, weekends and after 5pm,” Bradley Thomas wrote online.

“I think it's a little bit harder to get people here,” resident Frank Colletti told CTV News Ottawa. “But if they figure it out, I think it's going to be great for the city and make another trade that's going to be important.”

Braving the cold weather and rain was a group of cyclists who were doing the Critical Mass Ride – advocating for better cycling infrastructure.

Ottawa's idea to close roads to allow more footpaths during the warmer months has been unanimously approved.

“I think it's amazing,” Diane Harper said. “It's going to be great for businesses in those areas.”

“There's definitely going to be a demand for it,” said Martin Lessard. “I can't say which streets are good, but the more the better – that's for sure.”

Councilor Devin declined to be interviewed Saturday, but told CTV News Ottawa he is working behind the scenes to bring a proposal to council. The timing of such an offer is not yet known.

The National Capital Commission has yet to announce summer plans for active transportation on the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Parkways.