Jockvale Crossing (near VIA rail tracks)

The issue

This issue has been on my office's radar for a long time; I know there is a need for a pedestrian crossing. This isn't a regular pedestrian crossing situation, as the VIA rail train tracks add layers of complexity (regulations, safety, traffic can't queue on tracks to name a few).

This image outlines the general area of focus for a crosswalk. This high-traffic area covers Steepleview housing, the Barrhaven United Church, Barrhaven fellowship reform church, and the walking trails adjacent to the train tracks.

The bus in red represents an updated stop, where both stops are now on the same side, making it easier for residents of Steepleview, many who have mobility issues, to use transit.

Who's involved?

My office and I have been working hard since the beginning to find a solution that satisfies all complexities and improves safety for residents trying to cross Jockvale.

I have been working with city staff from various departments (public works, traffic services) to validate ideas and work on solutions.

Since this is close to the VIA rail corridor, the Federal Government is also a stakeholder in this project due to safety regulations required. Any solution would have to satisfy the requirements so that there are no safety concerns or issues impeding the VIA rail train tracks.

Updates

Find the latest updates on my meetings and engagements on this project here.

April 2026:

This new image outlines the proposed changes presented by city staff that may take place in order to accommodate a new crosswalk at Jockvale Road.

The proposal creates a safe crossing with a slightly widened site and pedestrian island which means pedestrians can cross and stop on the island to wait for cars on the other side to pass by. It will also upgrade the pedestrian path system from Jockvale Road East connecting to the Pedestrian underpass by Dolan/Valiant.

There will also be speed reductions and speed cushions/bumps installed both at the Barrhaven United Church Entrance site and the Barrhaven Fellowship Church Entry, which will reduce speed in this vulnerable corridor. This should also have a secondary benefit of pushing some of the cut through traffic to Strandherd.

This crossing was originally envisioned on the North side of the tracks at the Barrhaven United Church OC Transpo Stop to allow for safe crossing for especially the vulnerable residents of Steepleview where there are a number of unique accessibility considerations.

Unfortunately, due to the right of way restrictions at the rail crossing site and the disproportionately higher volume of pedestrian crossings on the path system South of the tracks, the crossing site selected is on the South side near Barrhaven Fellowship Church, not at the originally designated Barrhaven United Site.