Ottawa’s Pedestrian Bridges: Another on the Way?

Ottawa has seen a recent rise in pedestrian bridges and bike lanes. It seems more and more people are opting to travel the city on foot or bike. Regardless of the reason, pedestrian bridges are a bonus for anyone living near them, both for convenience sake but also for resale value.

The city has been in talks for a new footbridge that would connect Clegg St to Fifth Ave, which is great for those looking to live in the Glebe without paying the high purchase price. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the average purchase price of a home in the Glebe is $690k, whereas Old Ottawa South (off Main St near the Canal) and Sandy Hill (further east) is roughly $500k.

Obviously these prices are still high, but when you consider the average price for a home in Ottawa, excluding condos, is $400k, then these numbers aren’t surprising. If you can save money and live on the east side of the canal, and still have access to the many shops and restaurants along Bank St, then it’s a win-win!

The bridge would also alleviate traffic along Bank St. With the new Landsdowne development, many Glebe residents are complaining about the increase in traffic. A pedestrian bridge would make it easier for those living on the east side of the canal to quickly jump across to the other side. Businesses, real estate, and traffic will all see the benefit of this proposed bridge.