THE GLEBE – There’s a new way to cross the Rideau Canal and still remain dry.

The Flora Footbridge is set to open ahead of schedule.

Later this week, this new pedestrian and cyclist bridge across the canal will be open to the public, connecting Clegg Street in Old Ottawa East to Fifth Avenue at Queen Elizabeth Drive in the Glebe.

The good news was shared today at an event today (June 26) with The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and Mayor Jim Watson. The bridge was originally scheduled for completion in fall 2019.

“By connecting our neighbourhoods and helping people get around Ottawa on foot, by bike or on transit, we are making our communities safer and healthier, supporting local businesses, and protecting our environment,” Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna said. “After years of planning, community involvement and coordination among the city, the province and our government, it’s great to see the Flora Footbridge becoming a reality for people living near or travelling along the Rideau Canal.”

 Along with improving safety and connectivity between mid-town neighbourhoods, the new crossing will shorten commute times and offer a dedicated active and sustainable transportation route to schools, work, entertainment and shopping sites, such as Lansdowne in the Glebe.

 ““The whole community has been eagerly anticipating the completion of the Flora Footbridge,” Mayor Jim Watson said. “Thanks to the great work of City staff and Pomerleau construction crews, we are able to open it ahead of schedule, providing a new way for residents and visitors to cross the canal without using a car, and making it easier for everyone to get out and experience Ottawa to the fullest.”

It will also link up with pathways connecting to Ottawa’s O-Train Confederation Line at Hurdman and Lees Transit Stations and support the City’s goals of healthy, sustainable commuting– allowing more people to walk, cycle or take transit instead of travelling by car.

This project was made possible through a funding partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Ottawa, under the federal Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) and the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program (OMCCP). The budget for this project is $21 million.