Committee approves new Access By-law
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee today approved a new Access By-law to help regulate the construction, use and maintenance of private approaches and to clarify the work property owners can undertake on their driveaway or laneway that crosses into the City’s right of way. The new by-law would replace the current Private Approach By-law. The new by-law would replace the current Private Approach By-law. It allows for modest driveway expansion or private walkways through the right-of-way, ensures consistent oversight, introduces flexibility for staff to address the design and approval of accesses and reduces red tape for new construction.
The Access By-law limits driveway widths to no more than 50 per cent of a lot’s frontage, ensuring sufficient space for snow storage. It permits permeable surfaces, to absorb stormwater and reduce drainage issues. It also addresses requirements for walkways within the right of way, alongside driveways. The new by-law aligns with City policies related to growing the urban tree canopy, improving stormwater management and supporting active transportation.
Road cut permits would be required for construction of an access that includes a culvert, and any reconstruction of an access with a culvert also requires an application to the City. The aim is to ensure work is inspected and to limit stormwater issues. Fees for 2026 would not change and would remain the same as outlined in the Private Approach By-law. Data gathered in 2026 would be used to propose a fee schedule for 2027, in line with the City’s user fee policy.
Committee okays environmental study for Kanata North Transitway
The Committee approved proceeding with the Kanata North Transitway Environmental Assessment Study, which would include a review of the previously approved 2014 environmental study. The study area would also be extended to include lands brought into the urban area since 2014.
The recommended plan aims to improve transit on March Road, with an estimated saving in travel time of up to 10 minutes between Corkstown Road and Buckbean Avenue. It would also add a new Park and Ride facility with up to 444 parking spaces northwest of the March Road and Buckbean Avenue intersection. Enhancements are also planned for walking and cycling infrastructure.
The project is part of the Transportation Master Plan, which supports growth in Ottawa through 2046. The Province has committed to providing up to $80 million to support this project through the Ontario-Ottawa Agreement. The total cost of the project, based on a Class C estimate in 2025 dollars, is $335 million.
MTO updates Committee on rapid bridge replacements on Highway 417
The Committee also received a presentation from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) on upcoming rapid bridge replacements over Highway 417. Replacements are planned for bridges at both Woodroffe and Maitland avenues. Each replacement would require the highway to be closed for 24 hours to demolish the bridge and an additional 48- to 72-hour closure for rapid replacement. Woodroffe Avenue would need to be closed for six to seven weeks for abutment and substructure work while Maitland Avenue would close for seven to eight weeks for similar work plus embankment widening. Construction is currently scheduled for 2028.
City Council will consider the recommendations from today’s meeting on Wednesday, March 11.