Bank Street O-Train Tunnel Linked to Food & Accommodation Security, Employment, and Being Environmentally Responsible
The 4.5 km Ottawa Bank Street O-Train Tunnel, a concept many in the city are discussing; would run from Parliament Station Confederation Line 1, to Billings Bridge Shopping Centre. The idea is being linked to university student food & accommodation security, employment, and being environmentally responsible.
“The addition of a new Bank Street O-Train (Tunnel) would help uOttawa dramatically grow our ability to house our students outside of the Sandy Hill area and reduce the strain on that neighbourhood while offering a greater alternative commercial and food experience. Access to the food services on Bank would improve on the current relative food retail shortage in Sandy Hill.” Spokesperson for Ottawa University Vice-President, Finance and Administration Robert Bourgeois.
According to Emily Ferguson, President of the Algonquin Students Association, “an addition like” the Bank Street O-Train Tunnel “would be beneficial for Algonquin College students attending co-op placements in the downtown core, even more so when Algonquin is connected to the rail system in the coming years. Post-secondary students in Ottawa pay a significant amount for transit access every year, and many of us rely heavily on public transit to get around the city. More convenient, faster options are always welcome.”
In a previous interview Kathleen Weary, President of the Carleton University Students’ Association stated “as a students’ association, CUSA is hopeful the Bank Street O-Train Tunnel will make sustainable and affordable transport an option for more students.”
The City of Ottawa is planning to establish a working group to look at the long-term sustainability of Lansdowne. Large sports & entertainment events in Ottawa are often associated with bus congestion and individual vehicle emissions on Bank Street. Lansdowne Stadium depending on the event has hosted between
36,154 people for the 2016 Grey Cup Football Game and 44,000 for The Rolling Stones concert. Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group’s Chris Hofley, Senior Communications Leader, describes the benefits of the Ottawa Bank Street O-Train Tunnel as one that helps mitigate congestion and improve the environment: “with the number of people who visit Lansdowne every year, OSEG is in favour of better, cheaper and more environmentally responsible ways to support the number of people who come to Lansdowne in general.”
When Mario Tremblay, Strategic Communications Advisor from the National Capital Commission was asked about the Bank Street O-Train Tunnel this week, he responded “the NCC is supportive of public and active transportation initiatives that enhance connectivity throughout the National Capital Region.”
In regards to a previous story called “Ottawa Community Leaders Support Bank Street O-Train Tunnel”, Keith Duncanson, Team Lead, Community Relations, Customer Services Branch, Transportation Services at City of Ottawa says in order for the idea to move forward the city “would probably initiate contact with Councillors whose wards would be impacted”, and they “may be open to hosting a meeting and inviting staff from Transit Services Planning.”
Despite “numerous challenges” the Bank Street O-Train Tunnel concept “is interesting to think about” says Rory Martin, Program Manager, Trillium Line Construction at City of Ottawa.
Rail Fans Canada, an online organization that consists of O-Train supporters has been releasing updated Ottawa and Gatineau O-Train network maps which include the Bank Street O-Train Tunnel. The idea seems to have the attention of communities throughout the Ottawa/Gatineau area; including businesses, community groups, schools, and politicians past & present from city, provincial, and federal levels of government
For additional background see previous story & video links below:
Clinton P. Desveaux is a social thought leader who is available for radio & television panels, and media interviews. He can be reached via email: ClintonDesveaux@gmail.com