Traffic Services

As of May 1, 2018, Ontario municipalities can now use new gateway speed limit signs to designate roadways within residential areas with a reduced speed limit of less than 50 km/h.  

Gateway speed limit signs are posted at each entry and exit point to a community where lower speeds are in effect. The Entry Gateway Speed Limit Sign identifies the beginning of a legal speed limit that applies to all roadways within an area.  The Exit Gateway Speed Limit Sign marks the end of the lower speed limit. All streets that fall within the posted entry sign and exit sign are designated with the same speed limit identified on the gateway signs. Samples of Gateway Speed Limit Entry and Exit Signs are shown below: 

   

Pedestrian Crossovers are a type of traffic control used in Ottawa. Crossovers and their associated crosswalks are located at low speed, low-medium volume intersections, midblock and at roundabouts.  Learn about the form, function and usage of pedestrian crossovers and see where in Ottawa they are installed.

On January 1st, 2016, the Highway Traffic Act was revised to include a regulation which identifies a new type of Pedestrian Crossover. As a result of the legislative framework, including the Act, new regulation (402/15), and modifications to Ontario Traffic Manual Book 15 – Pedestrian Crossing Facilities,  municipalities can install pedestrian crossovers on low speed, low to medium volume roads.

What is a Pedestrian Crossover?

Pedestrian Crossovers are designated areas that allow pedestrians to safely cross roads where vehicles must yield to pedestrians when crossing. Pedestrian Crossovers are identified by specific signs and pavement markings. In some cases, but not always, they may also have pedestrian activated flashing beacons.

At Pedestrian Crossovers equipped with flashing beacons, pedestrians may push a button to make the beacon flash to enhance driver’s awareness that they will be crossing.  

It is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules at Pedestrian Crossovers.

Infographic – all road users

Visit our YouTube page and click “show more” for the descriptive video text.”

Pedestrian Crossovers in Ottawa

The City of Ottawa will be installing up to 60 Pedestrian Crossovers each year for the next three years as part of a City Council approved pilot program.  Crossovers will be situated at warranted locations throughout the city, starting in the summer of 2016. In the first year, these locations will include: new crossings where no crossing existed before, retrofitting of existing crossings, and roundabouts.

At roundabouts where Pedestrian Crossovers are being installed, pedestrians will now have the right of way over vehicles.

Pedestrian Crossover Locations

Pedestrian Crossovers will be installed on low speed, low to medium volume roads, and at most roundabouts.

The locations of the planned 2016 Pedestrian Crossovers in Ottawa are shown in the map and table below. The list will be updated as new warranted locations are added.

Map of Pedestrian Cross over Locations:

List of Pedestrian Crossing Locations

Location	Ward
Des Epinettes between Cottonwood W and Lafrance	Orleans
Grey Nuns between Friar gate and Sundown *	Orleans
Lawnsberry – 190 m S of Jeanne D’Arc	Orleans
Lawnsberry – 40 m E of Elderberry	Orleans
Lawnsberry – 65 m N of Mockingbird	Orleans
Beausejour at Des Sapins Gardens	Innes
Renaud between Melodie and Compass	Innes
Beatrice / Mountshannon at Longfields	Barrhaven
Berrigan at Longfields	Barrhaven
Cambrian at Greenbank	Barrhaven
Cedarview at Jockvale	Barrhaven
Exeter Drive/Tartan Drive at Jockvale	Barrhaven
Fable Street/Weybridge Drive at Jockvale	Barrhaven
The Parkway between Teron and Leacock	Kanata North
Badgely at Goulbourn Forced	Kanata North
Kanata Avenue at Keyrock/Stikine	Kanata North
Knudson at Nelford	Kanata North
Goulbourn Forced - 100 m W of Innovation	Kanata North
Carp at Fallsdown	West Carleton - March
Trailway at Moss Hill	Stittsville
West Ridge at Delamere	Stittsville
Huntmar at Rosehill	Stittsville
Robert Grant at Cope	Stittsville
Robert Grant at Bobolink	Stittsville
Robert Grant at Abbott	Stittsville
Woodridge at 98 Woodridge	Bay
Chesterton between Four Seasons and Assiniboine	Knoxdale-Merivale
Viewmount between Overlake and Biscayne	Knoxdale-Merivale
D'Aoust between Bank and Timbermill	Gloucester - Southgate
Huntersfield – 70 m south of Thornhedge	Gloucester - Southgate
Cahill - east of Marlin Private	Gloucester - Southgate
Queensdale between Bank and Mavis *	Gloucester-Southgate
Stonehenge between Torovin and Whittaker	Beacon Hill - Cyrville
Mann between Russell and Lees	Rideau-Vanier
King Edward at Union	Rideau-Vanier
St. Laurent at 520 St Laurent	Rideau-Rockcliffe
Preston at Poplar	Somerset
Somerset at Bay	Somerset
Metcalfe at McLeod	Somerset
Bayview at Slidell	Kitchissipi
Melrose at Ruskin	Kitchissipi
Owl at Pigeon	River
Data Centre between Riverside and Heron	Capital
Hopewell between Bank and Grosvenor	Capital
Queen Elizabeth Drive at Commissioner’s Park *	Capital
Queen Elizabeth Drive at Queen Elizabeth Place *	Capital
Kilborn at Aster	AltaVista
Kilborn Drive at Lamira	AltaVista
Valin between Demeter and Winsome	Cumberland
Brian Coburn at Portobello	Cumberland
8th Line between Eldo and Russell	Osgoode
Manotick Main at Tighe	Rideau - Goulbourn
Fernbank at Shea	Rideau - Goulbourn
Cresthaven Drive at Fairpark	Gloucester - South Nepean
Cresthaven Drive at Waterbridge	Gloucester - South Nepean
Pine Hill between Peregrine and Brandy	Kanata South
Cope - 100 m W of Akerson	Kanata South
Bridgestone-Steeple Chase at Stonehaven	Kanata South
Meadowbreeze and Wheatland	Kanata South

 *There is no implementation date confirmed for this location.

Responsibilities of Pedestrians

• Make an indication that you want to cross and ensure drivers see you before you cross. 
• Cross only when traffic has come to a complete stop and it is safe to do so.
• Refer to “Roundabouts and Median Divided Roads” Section below for more details at these locations.

Infographic – pedestrians and cyclists

Responsibilities of Drivers

• Watch for and prepare to stop at Pedestrian Crossovers.
• Wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road (curb to curb) before proceeding.
• Vehicles must not pass any other vehicle within 30 metres prior to a Pedestrian Crossover.
• Refer to “Roundabouts and Median Divided Roads” Section below for more details at these locations.

Infographic – drivers and cyclists

Responsibilities of Cyclists

•  When operating as a motor vehicle, cyclists will face the same responsibilities and fines as drivers – the new law requires cyclists to stop and yield the whole roadway to  pedestrians.
•  When crossing with pedestrians, follow rules for pedestrians: dismount and walk your bike across the road.
• Refer to “Roundabouts and Median Divided Roads” Section below for more details at these locations.

Infographic – drivers and cyclists
Infographic – pedestrians and cyclists

Roundabouts and Median Divided Roads

• Currently, at roundabouts, vehicles have the right of way over pedestrians, except at roundabouts where Pedestrian Crossovers are installed. At these locations, pedestrians have the right of way over vehicles.
• Many roundabouts in Ottawa will have Pedestrian Crossovers installed in 2016. Where the Pedestrian Crossover sign is installed, pedestrians have the right of way. 

At roundabouts and roads with center medians, marked pedestrian crossovers are treated as two stage crossings with the median or splitter island providing a pedestrian refuge.  For vehicles passing through a Pedestrian Crossover at these locations the driver may proceed once the pedestrian has fully crossed their lane of traffic (i.e. curb to median).  They do not have to wait for the pedestrian to cross the whole roadway.

Infographic – roundabout

Pedestrian Crossover VS Pedestrian Crosswalk

Pedestrian Crossovers are a type of traffic control, which are devices that regulate the movement of traffic. Other traffic control types include Stop signs, Yield signs and traffic control signals.  All types of traffic controls have legal requirements for road users and are identified in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.  Where there is such a traffic control device, the term crosswalk refers to the painted markings on the road.  It is typical for all controlled crossings to have a crosswalk. Forms of crosswalks are typically found at intersections, midblock locations, roundabouts and channelized right turns. In the first year of the Pedestrian Crossover pilot program the Crossovers and their associated crosswalks will be located at low speed, low-medium volume intersections, midblock and at most of the City’s single-lane roundabouts.  

Fines

Drivers and cyclists will be fined $150 to $500 with 3 demerit points for failing to yield for pedestrians at pedestrian crossovers.

Cyclists can be fined $85 for failing to dismount and walk their bicycle when crossing a pedestrian crossover.

Pedestrians can be fine $35 for leaving the curb or other place of safety at a pedestrian crossover and walking, running or moving into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impracticable for the driver of the vehicle to stop safely.

New Location Requests

Pedestrian Crossovers will be managed by the Public Works Department’s Traffic Services Branch. Requests for Pedestrian Crossovers should be sent to Traffic Services staff for review and consideration. 

The review will consist of an assessment of the location through a warrant process established by the Ministry of Transportation.

The appropriate Pedestrian Crossover design for warranted locations will be determined and a list will be provided to Council for approval and funding.

Approved locations will for the most part be implemented in the following calendar year, provided funding availability.

The History of Pedestrian Crossovers in Ottawa

Pedestrian Crossovers have a local history dating back to the early 1960s when a large number were installed across the greater Ottawa area. There are several types of crossovers which are identified as Type 1 or Type 2 crossovers. Type 1 was used in Ottawa dating back to early 1960s. This type is distinguished by the side mounted signs, overhead signs on wires and flashers. It is the most complex and was used at multi-lane crossings with higher speeds and traffic volumes.

These treatments provided a solution to pedestrian needs for a number of years, but were questioned in terms of safety in the 1970s; as a result, in the mid-1980’s, it was decided by Council that mid-block traffic control signals should be used in place of Pedestrian Crossovers and that Pedestrian Crossovers would no longer be implemented. At this time we do not intend to install the Type 1 crossovers again in Ottawa.

When the Making Ontario's Roads Safer Act, or Bill 31, was passed in June, 2015, Type 2 crossovers were created. Pedestrian Crossovers to be installed in Ottawa beginning June 2016 fall under Type 2 designation only.

Type 2 includes three formats:

B – Distinguished by overhead signs, side mounted signs, and rapid rectangular flashing beacons. These are typically used on arterial/major collector roads with higher speeds (up to 60km/h).

C – Distinguished by side mounted signs and rapid rectangular flashing beacons. These are typically used on collector roads, or lower volume multi-lane roundabouts.

D – This type is the most basic. It includes only the side mounted signs. These are typically used on local roads, or single lane roundabouts.

We want to hear from you

Please provide your feedback on the Pedestrian Crossover Pilot Program by contacting 3-1-1 (TTY 613-580-2401).

Ottawa Nav is an official City of Ottawa mobile application currently available for free in English and French on iPhone and Android devices. The application is the first of its kind, delivering accurate and up-to-the-minute, customized traveler information when you need it the most.

Ottawa Nav provides real-time traveler information to all types of commuters…whether you are driving, cycling or walking. If there is a road closure or any type of disruption to your route, you will know about it —helping you make smart decisions while you are traveling throughout the city.

Ottawa Nav has a growing list of features that meet the needs of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. In Driver Mode, the system provides audible instructions to avoid any driving distractions. When in Passenger Mode, the user can interact with the system to access a variety of traveler information services. In this mode, you can view real-time traffic incident information, look at live traffic camera feeds and view school and construction zones. The app also gives you access to information on OC Transpo, Bixi Bikes, OttawaRideMatch and also Pay-by-Cell.   

The app is a free and convenient traffic information hub for the city, in which you can have access to all Ottawa commuting related information.  Download the app and use this information to help make your commute more efficient! 

View the one-minute video on Ottawa Nav

 

Download the Ottawa Nav App at Google Play

Download the Ottawa Nav App at the Apple AppStore

Ottawa Nav was developed and is hosted by Flybits Inc. a spin-off company of Ryerson University.

Stay up to date on road closures and detours that might affect your commute.

• Travel Planner at octranspo.com
• City of Ottawa Traffic Report
• Interactive traffic map
• Ministry of Transportation of Ontario cameras along Highway 417
• Cycling maps and information

The Traffic Service Catalogue outlines the services that are provided in relation to traffic safety inquiries. The Catalogue covers topics such as speed, pedestrians and cyclists, warning signs, traffic control, heavy trucks, parking and schools.

Commuter Attitudes Survey [PDF 1.1 MB]

Executive summary

The City of Ottawa commissioned R.A. Malatest & Associates Ltd. (the Consultant) to conduct a survey with Ottawa residents to learn more about their preferred mode for commuting, their experiences with that mode during their commutes, and their perceptions of alternatives.

In total, 1245 surveys were conducted. In order to better understand the commuter experience from residents in differing parts of the city, roughly equal shares of surveys were completed by residents of the inner city, the inner suburbs (i.e., inside the Greenbelt), and the outer suburbs (i.e., outside the Greenbelt).

Ottawa's Commuters

• Most respondents (61 per cent) commuted primarily by driving. Others primarily took public transit (23 per cent), cycled (nine per cent) or walked (six per cent). Considering not only the most common mode of commuting, but also occasional (or secondary modes) as well, 83 per cent of respondents drove, 40 per cent took public transit, 16 per cent cycled and 12 per cent walked at least occasionally while commuting.
• Cyclists and pedestrians are the most satisfied with their chosen mode of commuting compared to other commuters.

Walking in Ottawa

• Sidewalks are important to respondents: most respondents said they should be provided on one or both sides of residential streets and even more agreed the same for busier roads.
• Those who primarily commute by bike, by public transit and by car reported that they do not walk mostly due to the distance and the time it would take to get to their destination.
• Most pedestrians have access to a motor vehicle; the main reason pedestrians walk is for health and exercise.
• Pedestrians walk during most seasons, but less chose to walk during the winter.

Cycling in Ottawa

• Roughly one in 10 respondents are comfortable cycling among city traffic. The remaining groups: those who do not cycle; those who are interested in cycling but have concerns; and those who cycle but prefer bike lanes are roughly the same size.
• The majority of cyclists did report feeling more comfortable cycling on streets designated as bicycle routes.
• Since almost all cyclists have access to a motor vehicle, they are not cycling for lack of choice. In fact, cyclists are more likely to come from higher income households. The main reason for cycling is for health and exercise.
• Seven per cent of cyclist commuters bicycle year round.
• Two thirds of cyclists have adequate facilities like showers and change rooms at their destination location and this was an important factor in their decision to cycle.

Driving in Ottawa

• Those who travel by motorized vehicle (including lone drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, and carpoolers) most frequently chose this mode due to travel time, comfort and convenience.
• Most drivers do not pay for parking but most of these respondents would still drive if parking was at a cost.
• Most carpoolers travel with family. Including themselves, carpoolers travel with 2.4 people in the vehicle.

Riding Public Transit in Ottawa

• Most Ottawa residents only have to walk five minutes or less to the nearest transit stop.
• Most public transit riders chose this mode due to commuting costs and lack of affordable parking.
• Public transit commuters are using available technological resources to obtain transit information: survey respondents most commonly reported that they looked up routes and schedules online or using an application on their smartphone.

Program Recognition

• More respondents have heard of Bike to Work Month or Sustainable Transportation Week than Ottawa on the Move.
• Radio was most often mentioned by respondents as to how they had heard about Ottawa on the Move and Bike to Work Month or Sustainable Transportation Week. For the latter, the workplace was also often mentioned as the source of information.
• Of the respondents who had heard of either Bike to Work Month or Sustainable Transportation Week, 22 per cent reported having participated in one of these programs.

Program

The Roadside Memorial Sign Program, established in 2015, assists families or groups who wish to have a roadside memorial sign installed along a City-owned right-of-way in remembrance of a loved one who has passed away as a result of a traffic incident.  

Process

•  Only residents of Ottawa may be commemorated through this program.
•  A request may be made by a family member or friend.
•  An application form must be completed and signed by an immediate family member of the nominee.
•  An Ontario Provincial Offences Act check is required for the nominee. The check is initiated and reviewed by the City of Ottawa. Any outstanding conviction or infraction  may result in the disqualification of an application. 
•  A sworn affidavit* must be submitted by the nominator with the application form (see page 4 of the application package).
•  The cost of a roadside memorial sign is $250 (plus HST), which includes the cost of fabrication and maintenance of the sign for two (2) years.
•  After two years, the nominator will be given the option for the sign to be removed and provided to them or to be left up without maintenance.
•  Nominators will be given a one-time option of having a new sign installed for $250 (plus HST).
•  The nominator can ask for the sign to be removed and turned over to them at any time.

*Any fees associated with a sworn affidavit are the responsibility of the nominator.

Signs

• The installed sign will read: “Drive Safely, in memory of ‘name(s) of victim(s)’.”, with black lettering over a white background
• The dimensions of the sign will be approximately: 24” L x 35” H
• The sign will contain both English and French messaging

Application

Should you wish to purchase a roadside memorial sign, please submit your completed Roadside Memorial Sign Application Form and supporting documentation using one of the following options:

Option 1 - by e-mail to: sro@ottawa.ca

Option 2 - by mail to: c/o The Commemorative Naming Program
City of Ottawa
Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department
100 Constellation Crescent
Ottawa, Ontario K2G 6J8

You will receive confirmation of receipt of your application within five (5) business days

Application Package