New updated content: 2025-08-13 11:50:46

At the Public Works and Infrastructure committee meeting at which the final TMP was being considered, the Chair walked on a motion calling on all levels of government to support the planned transportation projects, including a ring road. This was the first mention of a ring road in the five years of development, consultation and finalization of the TMP. This of course took all the public stakeholders, and perhaps some of the elected officials, off guard. Nevertheless, it passed 9-2 at committee. The GA has been engaged on the TMP through its POP affiliation and also directly in collaboration with the FCA Transportation Committee. It has not taken any position on a ring road but just on principle would not support this kind of major new direction being introduced as a walk on motion with no opportunity for analysis and input. As it turns out, when the topic came to Council for final approval, Councillor Johnson introduced a counter motion, removing the reference to a ring road and emphasizing adherence to the transportation policies in the Official Plan and due process. This motion was passed 16 to 8 by Council. However, we have not heard the last on a ring road for Ottawa, which is on a list of potential transportation studies by the Ontario government.