Fixing the Forgotten Roads: A Safety Push for Rural Intersections

I hear regularly from residents who are deeply concerned about road safety in rural Ottawa. Many have grown frustrated with outdated infrastructure, unsafe intersections, and the sense that their communities are being left behind. For too long, rural roads have gone without the investment and attention they deserve.

That’s why I brought a motion forward at the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC) — a motion that successfully passed thanks to the strong support of Councillors Matt Luloff and Catherine Kitts. This wasn’t just a win for me — it was a win for every rural resident who has waited years to see real action.

Rural intersections have been overlooked for far too long, despite the clear and compelling data. I’ve spoken on this issue many times because the numbers are impossible to ignore: while rural areas account for just 9% of all reportable collisions in Ottawa, they represent a significant volume of fatal collisions.

These aren’t just statistics — they represent real people, real families, and real lives.

The “2020 Safety Study of Ottawa Rural Skewed Intersections” identified numerous locations in desperate need of geometric redesigns and safety improvements. Unfortunately, many of these projects have languished on paper, unfunded and unprioritized. That’s simply unacceptable.

My motion directs the City to shift funds toward upgrading the rural intersections that need it most. This isn’t just about resurfacing roads — it’s about protecting lives and making our transportation network work for everyone.

By investing in better signage, improved lighting, safer turn lanes, and thoughtful intersection design, we can reduce collisions and keep people moving safely and efficiently.

I’m proud this motion passed, and I’m grateful to Councillors Luloff, Kitts, and our colleagues for their support. Together, we’ve sent a clear and unified message: rural Ottawa deserves the same level of investment and care as any other part of the city.

But this is just a step in directing more resources where they are needed most.

I will keep pushing to ensure these upgrades are prioritized in the City’s capital planning process and that rural safety remains a core focus. Our communities have waited long enough. Now it’s time to deliver.

Safer roads shouldn’t be a luxury, they should be the standard. I’m committed to making that a reality — for every resident, on every road, across rural Ottawa.