Closing parkways not fair to general public

In the summer of 2020, the Gatineau Park parkways were closed to motor vehicle traffic at all times, except on Sunday afternoons. As a result, they have been used almost exclusively for one recreational activity: sportive cycling, which is reserved for a limited category of users. This unjustified closure is unacceptable.

As part of an improvised pilot project launched amid the COVID-19 reopening, the National Capital Commission (NCC) closed the parkways to “open them primarily for active users.” This pilot project was modelled on another ongoing pilot project for the Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne-Cartier parkways in Ottawa. These thoroughfares are located right in the middle of the city. They do not have the same function as the Gatineau Park parkways. The decision to close the Gatineau Park parkways was rash and poorly substantiated.

The parkways ensure universal access to a natural environment of national importance. These scenic roads showcase cultural landscapes, lookout points, and heritage sites of unparalleled beauty. They lead to fantastic facilities where people can engage in a wide variety of activities, including hiking, nature observation and picnicking.

When the Gatineau Park parkways are closed, the general public is denied crucial access to the park. The closure of the parkways is an extreme measure that must be used sparingly and cautiously, with good reason.

In all cases of significant or recurring closures, the issues, impacts, and other options must be painstakingly assessed, including issues related to the park’s mission and impacts on accessibility. There also needs to be a representative consultation with the public and all categories of users, something that was not completed before the extreme closures of the Gatineau Park parkways in the summer of 2020.