Two intersections

New sidewalks for Aylmer Road

Gatineau has awarded a $66,000 contract to Gestco Inc to lay sidewalks at the intersections of Aylmer and Castelbeau Roads and Aylmer and Vanier Roads.

Currently, there are no sidewalks on the north side of Aylmer Road between Castelbeau and the Masonic Temple. The Aylmer and Vanier Roads intersection lacks sidewalks on the north side on Aylmer Road between the police station and Vanier.

The lack of sidewalks on Aylmer Road, especially near the police station, was one reason why Pierre Benoît, STO board Member, voted against Aylmer’s new bus system when it was presented this past summer.

“A sidewalk at the police station should secure that busy transit point. The STO should also erect bus shelters at Vanier and Aylmer Roads,” said Mr Benoît. “I did not receive complaints about sidewalks missing at the police station . . . but I do receive complaints about the service at Rivermead.”

The Lakeview Terrace Residents' Association  (LTRA) is also pressing the city to add sidewalks.

“Sidewalks at Vanier and Aylmer Roads would enable pedestrians to reach the bus stop beside the police station (safely),” the LTRA’s President Jocelyn Ploudre told the Bulletin.

Although satisfied with this plan, Mr Ploudre said ideally he would build sidewalks on both sides of Aylmer Road from the Champlain Bridge to the Marina.

“This is one of the busiest public transit corridors. Many residents walk on Aylmer Road to reach a bus stop. In winter, the snow banks are a headache. It’s a question of safety – and logic. I applaud new sidewalks and I welcome any action that encourages public and active transit,” he said.