In a series of letters to the editor published on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Ottawa Citizen readers express concerns about the National Capital Commission's (NCC) 'Bike Days' initiative, the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park, and parking issues at the Department of National Defence (DND).
Better signage for Bike Days?
John Arbuckle of Ottawa questions the NCC's decision to close several parkways and call it 'Bike Days.' He notes that even when Queen Elizabeth Drive is closed to cars, most cyclists still use the pathway, creating an uncomfortable and dangerous situation for pedestrians. Arbuckle suggested that the NCC put up signs encouraging cyclists to use the open road, but the NCC deemed it inappropriate. 'So why call it Bike Days?' he asks.
Backing the wrong team
Nancy Biggs of Orleans argues that the decision not to build a larger arena for the Ottawa Charge of the PWHL is a mistake. She recalls that when Ottawa's population was under 450,000 in the 1960s, Lansdowne Park's Frank Clair Stadium was packed for Rough Riders games. Now, with a population of one million, the stadium is rarely full. Biggs laments that the CFL's rosters were once largely Canadian, with players like Russ Jackson, a math teacher at Rideau High School, who led the team to three Grey Cups. She calls Lansdowne 2.0 a waste of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.
It's too late to redesign Lansdowne
Jaime Pitfield of Ottawa responds to a column by Bruce Deachman, agreeing that while a larger arena for the Charge would be ideal, it is too late to redesign Lansdowne without jeopardizing the project. He notes that the new Senators arena will be built within five years, and the Charge can play at the Canadian Tire Centre until then. Pitfield wishes the replacement Civic Centre were bigger to maximize the investment.
Organizations should supply buses
John Hollins of Gloucester comments on the parking mess at DND, suggesting that the department should provide bus service for employees, similar to what Atomic Energy of Canada did at Chalk River. He criticizes DND for failing to make effective travel arrangements after moving to the far western end of Ottawa, questioning whether such a department can be trusted to make sound decisions on major procurements like fighter jets.
Readers are invited to share their opinions by emailing letters@ottawacitizen.com. Guidelines for submissions are available online.
