It’s a sign that spring has arrived in Ottawa, with two popular pedestrian and cycling bridges are now open to the public.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced on social media the Chief William Commanda Bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau over the Ottawa River would reopen Friday.
“Pedestrians and cyclists can once again enjoy this scenic route between Ottawa and Gatineau,” Sutcliffe said on X. “If you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s definitely worth the visit.”
The Rideau River pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting Carleton University and Vincent Massey Park will also open to the public on Friday.
Both bridges were closed to the public over the winter, with gates blocking access to the pedestrian and cycling pathways.
The Chief William Commanda Bridge opened to the public in August 2023, but the popular multi-use pathway has been closed each winter because the bridge was not designed for winter pedestrian and cycling use.
“Typical plowing, salting and grit could damage the steel structure and timber decking. Removal of the snow would have negative impacts on any community efforts to groom the surface of the bridge for winter sport,” the city said.
“The city continues to explore opportunities that will allow the bridge to be used safely during winter months as a recreational facility. The city does not undertake the grooming of winter trails but does partner with community groups that have expertise in this area.”
In a memo to city council Thursday, city staff said they will explore the possibility of snow grooming on the Chief William Commanda Bridge next winter if there is enough snow.
“Roads and Parking Services installed 50 feet of snow fencing on a section of the Ottawa side of the bridge prior to the closure in December. Staff in Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services observed limited snow accumulation throughout the winter on the bridge, even with the snow fencing installed,” the memo said. “Staff will review alternatives for snow retention for the 2025/2026 winter season and if there is sufficient snow accumulation, will consider test grooming.”
Meantime, the new Rideau River multi-use pathway initially opened to the public last June, but closed for the winter.
Coun. Riley Brockington says he and coun. Shawn Menard continue to work with staff on finding a “long term solution that will modify the bridge to ensure it can be maintained and remain open in the winter, for all four season.”
Ottawa’s pedestrian bridges over the Rideau Canal, the Corktown Footbridge and the Flora Footbridge, along with the Adàwe Crossing over the Rideau River connecting Overbrook and Sandy Hill remain open all year.
