I am a resident of the City…

I am a resident of the City of Ottawa and have participated in consultations on the city's new Official Plan and Transportation Master Plan over the past five years. These plans have been designed with care and consultation and support building a city that moves people more efficiently and effectively using a variety of modes of transportation. Road safety has also been a priority for me and for the city.

It is disappointing to see the provincial government trying to override this carefully crafted plans, which have also received the required provincial approval, for reasons that are not supported by data or evidence.

Our cities have to change to meet the current and future needs of the population. We no longer live in a world where everyone can own or drive a car everywhere they need to go (not that we ever did). There simply is not enough space for it. I prefer to bike - it makes my life easier especially with two young children who need to get to school and daycare, but I will not do so when it is unsafe. Having protected cycling infrastructure is essential to reducing congestion.

Please listen to the incredible amounts of evidence, expertise, and personal experiences before you. Engineers, planners, municipalities, developers, healthcare professionals, researchers have all sent letters providing details and reasoning. I also do not support my tax dollars being spent on a wasteful project in Toronto that citizens and the mayor there do not support. Stay in your lane.