Transportation

Priorities

• Supporting community groups to audit neighbourhood walkability and pedestrian safety
• Addressing gaps in Rural Transportation
• Advocating for changes in OC/Para Transpo services that support seniors and persons with disabilities
• Advocating for changes in hospital parking that increase accessibility & affordability
• Supporting the Gotta Go Campaign to ensure access to washrooms in public spaces
• Reaching seniors with information about options

Current Highlights

The Snow Mole Report 2020 contains background information about the Snow Mole project, a summary of the collected data and an analysis of common trends. It summarizes what we have learned over three years and gives a list of recommendations to improve winter walking in Ottawa. 

The findings in the 2020 Report reinforce the recommendations from previous Snow Mole Reports and provides some new information related to the onset of the Covid-19 social distancing requirements.

There is a real and urgent need to recognize the challenges and serious impacts of changing winter weather on Ottawa pedestrians, especially on older populations and those using mobility aids. The time to act on recommendations to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in winter conditions has arrived. 

Download Report

Tips for Winter Walking

There is nothing like taking a walk to enjoy the beauty of the season – and walking is one of the best ways to keep healthy. On the other hand, winter can be a challenging time of year to get out an about. Here are some tips for safer walking outdoors in winter.

Sub-Committees

• Pedestrian Safety and Walkability – audits in areas within the city and advocates for changes to make walking safer for seniors and people with disabilities or mobility issues
• Older Drivers – provides information about safe driving for seniors through brochures, information sessions and education
• Rural Transportation – identifies innovative approaches to respond to rural seniors’ transportation needs
• Community Transportation Information Events – plans, promotes, organizes and participates in events to raise awareness of seniors’ transportation choices & challenges

Committee Membership

• Chaired by the COA
• Canadian Cancer Society (Ottawa Unit)
• Champlain Dementia Network
• City of Ottawa: OC Transpo & Para Transpo;  Ottawa Public Health, Strategic Community Initiatives, Safer Roads Ottawa
• Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre
• Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre
• HelpAge Canada
• MS Society of Canada, Ottawa Chapter
• Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization
• Jewish Family Services
• Champlain Community Support Network; Champlain Community Transportation Collaborative
• Seniors and interested members from the community representing rural and urban Ottawa
• South–East Ottawa Community Health Centre
• Stroke Survivors Association of Ottawa
• Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health
• Walk Ottawa
• Unitarian House