Vehicle access to Greenbelt to be closed temporarily

In a move certain to disappoint dog walkers and hikers in the throes of cabin fever, the National Capital Commission is temporarily closing vehicle access to the Greenbelt encircling the capital.

As of 9 p.m. Friday, parking lots at trailheads and off-leash dog parks will be closed, which the commission says is consistent with its move to temporarily close Gatineau Park March 23.

“We recognize that this decision will affect residents’ enjoyment of the Greenbelt but we must make every effort to protect employees, contractors and trail users from COVID -19 and ensure compliance with public health directives from all levels of government, particularly the call to avoid all non-essential trips,” the NCC said in a statement Friday.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors close to home — on foot or by bike — rather than driving to a destination farther from home. Trail users arriving in a vehicle will be unable to park in the trailhead parking lots or on adjacent roadways.”

Local authorities will enforce these parking prohibitions, the commission said.

People who live near a trailhead or dog park can still use them if they abide by public health recommendations about physical distancing.

On Monday, the NCC closed access to Gatineau Park to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the NCC said it’s working on progressively reopening its multi-use pathways “as quickly as possible” by using heavy machinery to clear ice and snow “along with the help of Mother Nature.”

Check social media feeds for updates on pathways opening, the NCC said.

The NCC said it’s not considering closing either the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway or the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway to vehicles, despite an online petition asking it to make the parkways bike and pedestrian routes. The NCC cited the need for continued access for transit and emergency services along with its own “logistical challenges” and staffing.

The NCC will also reassess planned road closures, such as Sunday Bikedays, with public health officials and local municipalities. mgillis@postmedia.com