The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group attempted Monday to answer the question that has been on everyone’s mind lately, especially if you live in the Glebe: How will all those eager football fans get to the game once the new stadium at Lansdowne Park reopens next month?
The answer?
By bus, by bike or by foot — but hopefully not by car.
OSEG unveiled its comprehensive transportation plan to get people to to the redeveloped site, which will open in stages between July 18 — the night of the Ottawa Redblacks’ home opener — and next summer.
On game nights, OSEG says, it hopes 36 per cent of people will take advantage of its free park-and-shuttle service, and that another 20 per cent will use public transit. OC Transpo and Gatineau’s transit service will both be free for ticket holders, and the stadium will also offer free bike parking.
The field lines have been added at TD Place at Lansdowne Park in preparation for the first Redblacks game in July.
It’s anticipated that slightly more than a quarter of the people heading to the stadium might still drive and use on-street parking, while the rest will walk or bike.
The only public parking at Lansdowne on game nights will be reserved for a select number of VIP season ticket holders.
Don’t learn the hard way
Capital Coun. David Chernushenko urged people not to drive to Lansdowne — it’s not worth the hassle to try to find a parking spot on nearby streets, he said.
Parking studies conducted by OSEG have shown there are 2,500 parking spaces, but Chernushenko reminded people that that is within a wide catchment area that stretches from the Queensway in the north to Riverside in the south and includes the Glebe, Old Ottawa South and East. In other words, it could mean a long walk to the stadium.
He added that the city might also tweak some on-street parking rules to further discourage people from driving. He said he hopes bylaw officers enforce the rules so residents aren’t blocked in by cars and Glebe shoppers can still find a place to park.
“I’m confident it’s a good plan,” he said. “I hope people will recognize that and use it.”
But, human nature being what it is, Chernushenko said he wouldn’t be surprised if some people try their luck.
“It’s quite likely that many people will have to learn the hard way,” he said.
Traffic on Bank Street near Lansdowne Park: OSEG and Glebe merchants and residents hope game days won’t make it even worse.
Business owners holding their breath
The Glebe Business Improvement Association has worked closely with OSEG on the transportation plan.
It’s also planning an opening-day event in hopes of taking advantage of the added foot traffic on Bank Street. But some business owners remain concerned about how the narrow street will accommodate the additional traffic while leaving room for regular shoppers.
“If it’s a train wreck, we’re going to suffer,” said Gilbert Russell of the Glebe BIA.
Transit service to Lansdowne Park for events.
Get on the bus
Tickets to events at TD Place also serves as tickets for a free ride on OC Transpo or Gatineau’s STO to and from TD Place. OC Transpo will offer direct park-and-shuttle service from park-and-ride lots in Kanata, Barrhaven, Greenboro (South Keys) and Orléans, while STO will offer shuttles from Rivermead, St-Dominique/Tache, Labrosse, De La Gappe and Robert-Guertin.
“This was part of our deal with the city,” said OSEG chief executive Bernie Ashe.
The free bus service will be available starting three hours before events at TD Place and continue for approximately three hours after events end.
OC Transpo estimates the enhanced service will mean between 45 and 50 extra buses will be used on game nights.
Park-and-shuttle services to Lansdowne Park.
Park and shuttle
OSEG is also providing the park-and-shuttle option from four parking lots near Lansdowne. Canada Post (Riverside and Heron), Vincent Massey Park, the R.A. Centre and Carleton University will provide ticket holders with free parking and free shuttle service to and from TD Place. The lots will open two hours before major events, and the shuttles will run for about three hours after events end.
The National Capital Commission is allowing the shuttle buses to use Queen Elizabeth Driveway for the first half of the season. OSEG, the NCC and the city will evaluate how that works and recommend a plan for the latter half of the Redblacks’ season.
All of the shuttle buses, about 80 to 90 on a game night, will converge on Bronson Avenue, turn left on Lakeside Avenue and then onto Queen Elizabeth Driveway.
Two wheels OK, too
The stadium will also provide attendees at major events with complimentary, secure bike parking. Cyclists can use the multi-use pathway along the Rideau Canal and access Lansdowne via a new set of traffic lights the NCC is installing at Fifth Avenue. The secure bike park will be located east of the Aberdeen Pavilion.
Hear it for yourself
The media got a sneak peek Monday, but residents can learn more Tuesday at an information session hosted by the Glebe Community Association. The 7 p.m. event at the Glebe Community Centre will feature representatives from OSEG and the city, who will explain the transportation arrangements.
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