Cheers could lead to Chapman Mills pedestrian bridge

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Jennifer McIntosh

EMC News - One of the city's busiest trails could become a year-round attraction in south Nepean.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) is asking for the public's help in securing funds for a 35-metre pedestrian bridge across an inlet of the Rideau River in the Chapman Mills Conservation Area.

The concept is one of the many that have been entered into the Molson Coors Community Cheer contest, which gives $1 million to projects that bring the community together.

The Chapman Mills Conservation Area on the Rideau River in Barrhaven is the gateway to a 12-kilometre network of forest trails, riverside boardwalks and wetland meadows. It stretches from an area along the riverbank that is parallel to Waterbridge Drive and ends just south of Barnstone Drive.

From November to May use of the area is restricted because a floating sectional bridge leading to the inlet parallel to the intersection of Fairpark and Prince of Wales drives is removed to protect it from ice damage.

The RVCF called the annual move hard on the environment, costly for taxpayers and frustrating for park users.

"The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation has undertaken a project to build a 35-metre pedestrian bridge across the inlet," Jason Kelly, the foundation's chair, said in a press release. "This will complete a...year-round, walking facility jewel in the heart of the of the burgeoning south Ottawa community."

The Chapman Mills Conservation Area is celebrating is 10th anniversary this year.

The foundation has been tracking the use of the trail now and said it is one of the busiest in the city. Estimates say that the bridge would create at least a 10 per cent increase in the pedestrian traffic.

"Residents on both sides of the river will be able to enjoy this recreational link with the future pedestrian connections created by the completion of the Strandherd Armstrong bridge," Gloucester-South Nepean Coun. Steve Desroches said. "The pathway bridge will provide access to the Chapman Mills Conservation Area in all seasons."

The RCVF estimates that there are 35,000 residents living near the conservation area.

The new link would eliminate some of the environmental concerns of the old, floating bridge and avoids the temptation for people to try and cross the ice on foot.

The RCVF submitted the proposal for the project before the September deadline and is asking the community to cast the votes that may mean an award of up to $50,000.

The summary of the project is available at www.ourcommunitycheer.com/projectDetails.aspx?id=48 and the deadline for the voting is Feb. 10.