Williams: Make it safer for pedestrians to access LRT stations, Ottawa

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Recent safety issues surrounding the LRT station by Blair Station in the Pineview neighbourhood are of great concern and deserve the immediate attention of city officials.

Imagine crossing the bridge over the Queensway, with multiple burned-out lights, as a senior, single person, or student returning from a late class. After that harrowing crossing, you are travelling in one direction for approximately 600 metres on a completely dark, unlit pathway lined by trees that could conceal anyone, or on the other hand, passing a construction site with 600 metres of poorly lit paths crossing several roads.

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And this is not just a local neighbourhood issue. Each area of Ottawa has transit stations where there are concerns about accessibility, safety and comfort. When will the city prioritize access to the very infrastructure it’s basing its long-term plans on?

Public transit, especially light rail, is promoted as an affordable, efficient form of transportation that also benefits our environment. But when we are forced to navigate poorly lit areas and neglected infrastructure, the supposed benefits of LRT quickly lose their appeal. Safety should be a top priority for any public works, and it is disappointing to see such neglect in the infrastructure of the city.

The poorly lit pathways around the LRT stations, transit stops that are not cleared of snow, or ones that sit between a ditch and a busy road all pose a serious risk to residents, especially in the evening and at night. Pedestrians walking in these dark areas are more vulnerable to accidents, theft and other crimes. Mothers with strollers or seniors with walking aids need to be able to easily access the stations and stops.

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These missing connections to our transit network create an atmosphere of fear and uneasiness and discourage people from using public transportation at all. I want my children to grow up using public transportation and feel safe doing so. The lack of safety considerations not only undermines the city’s efforts to promote sustainable transportation, but it also deprives the public of a safe and reliable way to get around.

Despite repeated complaints to 311, consultation with the city councillor and staff, and even city staff that have been brought on-site, these issues remain unaddressed, leaving transit users fearful about the potential danger when travelling early in the morning and late in the evening.

I ask again: When will the city prioritize access to transit, the very infrastructure it’s basing its long-term plans on, to ensure it’s accessible and safe to access?

Dave Williams is a community advocate in East Ottawa, and a member of several community and advocacy boards.  He can be found on social networks at @RedSignPromos

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