For Findlay Creek resident Roger Baliki, avoiding the intersection of Bank Street and Leitrim Road has become part of his daily routine. Baliki now plans routes around the intersection whenever possible, frustrated by congestion and a layout he believes has failed to keep pace with the rapid growth in Ottawa's south end.
Residents Express Frustration
"It's just a mess," Baliki said. "You have this one lane moving up, and you have three directions by the time you get to the light." The intersection, originally designed for lower traffic volumes, has become a bottleneck as the city expanded into Findlay Creek and Riverside South.
City engineers are now completing design work for a major overhaul of the intersection. The proposed redesign would add dedicated turning lanes, wider approaches, sidewalks, and safer pedestrian crossings. However, before construction can begin, the city must acquire land from several owners, including a parcel owned by the National Capital Commission at the northwest corner of the intersection.
Urgency for Federal Cooperation
Riverside South-Findlay Creek Coun. Steve Desroches said he wants the process completed as quickly as possible but is concerned about how long the land acquisition process could take from the NCC. "We need the federal government to understand the urgency," Desroches said. "When we have a federal partner that historically has not had a reputation for moving quickly, it's a worry point for me and a worry point for the community."
The councillor said the city expects to complete design work this fall and hopes to finalize necessary land transactions in 2027 so construction can begin shortly afterward. Desroches has been in contact with Ottawa South MP David McGuinty's office about the project and the need to expedite the land transfer. Currently, the city is in discussions with both the NCC and private property owners whose land is needed for the expanded intersection.
NCC's Role and Project Details
When asked about the project, NCC spokesperson Valérie Dufour said in a statement that the federal agency remains involved. "This project is led by the City of Ottawa," Dufour said. "The National Capital Commission is working closely with the City and will continue to collaborate as the project advances."
The redesign would realign portions of the intersection and add new lanes to better accommodate traffic volumes generated by rapid growth in Findlay Creek and Riverside South. The plan would see Leitrim Road expand to seven lanes at the intersection, including dual left-turn lanes onto Bank Street and dedicated right-turn lanes. The redesign would also add bike lanes, sidewalks, and improved crosswalks.
Additional Concerns
Desroches noted that the intersection's problems go beyond commuter frustration. "There is a fire station located right at the corner of that intersection," Desroches said. "They at times have to struggle to get out of that station and get to their calls." The antiquated intersection no longer meets modern standards for a growing city, he added.
The city is committed to moving forward, but the timeline remains uncertain due to the land acquisition process. Residents like Baliki hope the project proceeds swiftly to alleviate the daily chaos they endure.
