Three NCC parkways closing to vehicle traffic this weekend to create more outdoor recreational space

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is opening up roadways for active use this weekend, facilitating more safe outdoor space for people to get some exercise.

In light of the provincial stay-at-home order and warm weather forecasted, the NCC is expanding its Queen Elizabeth Driveway (QED) pilot project to include the Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM )and Sir George-Étienne Cartier (SGEC) parkways this weekend.

That means the parkways will be closed to vehicular traffic during the daytime hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Details for this weekend:

Queen Elizabeth Driveway (2.4 kilometres): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Both lanes of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, located on the west side of the Rideau Canal, from Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street.

Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway (9 kilometres): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Both westbound lanes of the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, located on the south side of the Ottawa River just west of the downtown core, from Booth Street to Carling Avenue.

Sir George-Étienne Cartier (8 kilometres): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Both lanes of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, running along the south side of the Ottawa River, just east of the downtown core, between the Aviation Parkway and St. Joseph Boulevard in Orléans.

The NCC will release information on parkway programing for the rest of the season later this month.