Transit overhaul under consideration

The City of Ottawa is exploring changes to Bank Street between the Rideau Canal and Highway 417 in the Glebe. At a public open house Wednesday night, staff presented options for bus-only lanes to improve one of the city’s busiest transit corridors.

How the lanes would function

The proposal calls for northbound buses to use a dedicated lane between 7 and 9 a.m. and for southbound buses to have the same during 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. These priority lanes would also be activated during major events at Lansdowne Park, aiming to reduce delays when traffic surges.

Expected impact on travel

City staff estimate the change would cut bus travel times by about one minute per trip and improve reliability. For drivers, the effect would be modest, adding roughly one minute to rush-hour travel. Existing restrictions already prohibit parking during peak hours on sections of Bank Street.

Parking remains contentious

The most divisive issue at the meeting was parking. While most of Bank Street’s current restrictions would remain, permanent 24-hour bus lanes in small sections—such as near Fifth Avenue—would eliminate 16 street parking spots. Some residents urged bolder measures, while nearby businesses voiced concern over losing customer access.

Voices from the community

Commuters noted Bank Street congestion makes daily travel difficult. OC Transpo Routes 6 and 7, which use the corridor, are the city’s second- and third-busiest routes. Local associations said the city’s plan was a compromise, with some support for testing but lingering questions about parking enforcement and towing.

What happens next

City staff intend to bring recommendations to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee this autumn. If approved, the plan will advance to city council for a final vote. Implementation could follow in stages, with results monitored for impact on transit and traffic flow.

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