Straightening out facts about the NCC

Re: Egan: GG shuts rink, grounds in latest drama from The Crown, Jan. 7

Kelly Egan's earnest self-diagnosis of “NCC derangement syndrome” in a column on New Year's Eve caused a small lump in my throat. “Will he be OK?” I wondered. Then, in another column on Jan. 7, Kelly took the NCC to task, saying that “For years and years, the NCC did nothing to encourage cross-country skiing on its multi-use path.” But if he took the time to check the NCC's website before writing, he'd see that situation has been remedied this winter.

Had he checked, he might have learned that on Dec.

17, 2020, we announced the measures we were taking this winter season to provide more opportunities for national capital residents to spend time outdoors during this pandemic — partnering with the Urban Winter Trails Alliance (of whose funding we doubled) to expand urban winter trails in Ottawa by 50 per cent, facilitating greater access to Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt in spite of COVID-19, and ensuring the Rideau Canal Skateway can be safely enjoyed.

He's right: such initiatives are good for the mind, body and soul.

NCC derangement syndrome isn't hard to overcome. While I'm no doctor,

I'd be happy to share our plans with Mr. Egan at any time such that he might tackle future criticisms of the NCC with the facts on his side. Who knows? By working together, we may even defeat this debilitating disorder. Nicolas Ruszkowski, vice-president of Public, Legal & Corporate Affairs at the National Capital Commission