Residents Debate Safety of Sidewalks in Ottawa’s Manor Park

Concerns over the safety and accessibility of sidewalks in Ottawa’s Manor Park community have sparked a lively debate among residents. In a recent letter, local resident Ellis Westwood expressed his belief that the absence of sidewalks actually enhances accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including his eight-year-old son who has both physical and intellectual challenges.

Westwood, who has lived in Manor Park for over twenty years, argues that while sidewalks may seem beneficial, they present numerous obstacles for wheelchair users. He highlighted challenges such as the “lips” at sidewalk edges that can impede wheelchair movement and the uneven surfaces caused by driveways. “The constant ups-and-downs of sidewalks risk pushing the wheelchair close to the edge, making it a dangerous drop,” he stated.

In Ottawa’s winter months, these issues are compounded, as snow and ice can create further hazards. Westwood noted that his son enjoys riding his adaptive tricycle along the road without the fear of falling off a sidewalk, emphasizing that their experience has been free of incidents involving cars on the quieter streets of Manor Park.

Westwood’s comments were a response to an article titled “Sidewalks Will Make Manor Park More Accessible, Livable, and Safe,” published on August 16. He criticized the writer, Mark Lindenberg, for conflating the need for sidewalks in busy areas with the specific context of his residential neighbourhood. He pointed out that residents generally agree that sidewalks are necessary on major roads like St. Laurent Boulevard or Montreal Road, where traffic speeds pose a greater risk.

The tight-knit community of Manor Park features families, seniors, and pet owners who navigate the broad, flat roads with relative ease. Westwood believes that introducing sidewalks could hinder the mobility of these residents. He stated, “Adding sidewalks will make the streets less accessible for all of these residents, as well as our son.”

In a separate letter, Ken Lane reflected on a recent incident during the Pride Parade where a pro-Palestinian group disrupted the event, resulting in its cancellation. Lane, who attended the parade, expressed frustration at what he described as “bullying techniques” that prevented participants from celebrating. He argued that while people have the right to protest, they should not have the power to halt scheduled events unlawfully.

Lane’s sentiments echoed a broader concern shared by many attendees who felt that their rights to celebrate and protest were being compromised. He called on the city and law enforcement to take a firmer stance against such disruptions in the future.

Finally, another letter honored the contributions of Harvey Glatt, a prominent figure in Ottawa’s music scene who passed away recently. Glatt was known for his involvement with several music venues and for supporting local musicians throughout his life. His legacy includes managing notable artists and fostering a vibrant music culture that has shaped Ottawa’s artistic landscape.

As the discussions surrounding sidewalks and community events continue, residents of Manor Park remain engaged in dialogue about how to balance safety, accessibility, and the rights of individuals to express their views peacefully.