Sutcliffe vows to equally respect motorists, cyclists and pedestrians with transportation plan

Mark Sutcliffe is pledging to make Ottawa public transit more reliable if elected, while investing in safer roads for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. 

The mayoral candidate has released his transportation platform, in which he promises to respect all commuters, regardless of where they live or how they choose to get around.

As part of his platform, Sutcliffe said he would demand accountability for the bungled Phase I of Ottawa's light rail system (LRT) and implement the key recommendations from the judicial inquiry to fix the system. He also promised to deliver Phase 2 of LRT and secure funding for Phase 3, which would bring light rail to Kanata, Stittsville and Barrhaven.

“We have to get transportation right.” he said. “We need a fresh set of eyes looking at the problems and leading changing. Like so many people in Ottawa, I am deeply disappointed in how Phase 1 of light rail was planned and executed. The process wasn't transparent and council did not provide enough oversight or due diligence.”

This approach can never be repeated, Sutcliffe said. 

“But we cannot have the city take over the entire project along with all the costs and obligations shouldered by taxpayers as Catherine McKenney is suggesting,” he added. “The answer is to demand that the contractors pay up and take responsibility for this entire project. We need a solid, realistic 'turnaround' plan put in place before ramping up other phases.”

Sutcliffe noted that he is committed to modernizing the routing and schedule of OC Transpo service to reflect what is needed post-pandemic. 

“Some people view transportation through an ideological lens,” said Sutcliffe. “They want you to walk or ride a bike, no matter where you live, no matter where you're going, no matter what month of the year. That might be easy if you live downtown and can get around on a bicycle, but there's so much more to Ottawa than just downtown. I respect the fact that if you live in the suburbs or rural Ottawa, you're not going to take your kid to ringette practice in February on a bike.”

The plan also includes an additional $100-million investment into road maintenance and winter clearing budgets over four years, adding that getting around Ottawa safely and reliably, on any mode of transportation, has become much harder, with sidewalks are in disrepair and unreliable public transit he called an 'embarrassment.'

“We need a system that works for everyone, whether you're walking, riding a bike, or driving a vehicle,” said Sutcliffe. “I'll bring a balanced approach: I'll repair our crumbling roads and bike lanes. I'll fix our bus service and light rail, and most importantly, I will respect how people choose to get around Ottawa.”

Other highlights from Sutcliffe's plan include: 

• Support the creation of a web-based “pothole-line” that allows residents to report potholes in their communities, and get them filled quickly.
• Double city councillors' traffic calming budgets from $50,000 to $100,000 per ward. 
• Support the implementation of the Brian Coburn Extension Option 7 in Ottawa's east end, and accelerate the timing of the Greenbank Road Realignment Project for inclusion in the Transportation Master Plan from 2023 to 2024 in the city's west end.
• Improve ParaTranspo and consult with those who depend on this service to fix it.
• Maintain the seniors' pass, Equipass and current youth transit rates.
• Focus on the missing gaps in the cycling network (where bike lanes abruptly end and are picked up some distance away).
• Initiate resurfacing and road widening projects across the city to include better safety markings, paved shoulders and bike lanes where feasible. 

Sutcliffe also outlined actions he would not take if elected mayor:

• Implementing taxpayer-funded fare free transit
• Spending $145M on expanding the OC Transpo network without a thorough review of how the system can be improved to meet commuters' needs
• Borrowing and spending a quarter of a billion dollars that focuses on one mode of transportation, cycling, at the expense of improving the entire transportation system
• Add cost to taxpayers by bringing the burden of the LRT maintenance contract under the City of Ottawa where there is no capacity or expertise to do so\

Sutcliffe told The Rob Snow Show on Sept. 22 said his approach is a balanced approach that respects the needs of everyone across the city. 

“We have to fix OC Transpo,” he said. “It's a reality post-pandemic that people are not travelling with the same patterns. We need to overhaul the whole system and optimize the routes.”

Sutcliffe also points out the important link between a strong transportation system and a healthy economy, and the ability to connect all parts of Ottawa with one another. 

You can view the full plan at www.marksutcliffe.ca/transportation.

Sutcliffe, a former CityNews Ottawa talk show host, entrepreneur and author, is one of 14 people vying to be Ottawa's next mayor.

Listen to the full interview with Mark Sutcliffe below: