Despite building a website devoted to talking about downtown walkability issues, City planners have yet to respond to any of her requests, a Centretown resident told the pedestrian and transit advisory committee Thursday night.
Lana Stewart voiced her concerns to the members of the committee and offered ways of improving downtown walking conditions, particularly at the intersection of Bronson and Gladstone avenues.
“My solutions are not budget intensive,” the resident of Centretown West said. “I’d really like to see this committee push hard for this.”
Stewart recommended more red light cameras and left-hand turning signals, increased crosswalk visibility and the implementation of the 2009 Ottawa Pedestrian Plan, which still hasn’t been passed by city council. Her website, called “Ottawa Walking Problems,” is a place for people to report problematic pedestrian areas across the city.
Stewart said city councillors and planners haven’t responded to her emails.
After her presentation, the committee asked questions and gave their point-of-view.
“It’s unfortunate that cars take priority and pedestrians really have to take care of themselves,” said committee member Bernie Geiger.
“This is mind-boggling clear that action should be taken on this,” said student committee member Tamara Krawchenko, who attends Carleton University. “But all we can do is make recommendations.”
But Stewart’s concerns didn’t result in a decision by the committee.
“I’d like the city to come in and tell their side of the story before we make any decisions,” said committee member Richard Eade. “Why they haven’t done anything about it, why they are ignoring emails, and so on.”