The city of Ottawa is about to embark on an infrastructure spending binge to prepare the city for Canada's 150th birthday.
The city has proposed spending $340 million in road investment over the next three years. It will be the biggest construction project in the city's history.
"We want to take advantage of the low interest rates to do some catching up on things that we should have done years ago," said Coun. Marianne Wilkinson.
The "Ottawa on the Move" project will cost about $340 million. The city will have to borrow about $125 million to fund it.
The project has been approved by the transportation committee. City Council still has to approve the entire budget on Nov. 30.
If it passes, several roadways across the city are set to benefit from the project, including the east end's infamous Highway 174. Two hundred kilometers of the road will be resurfaced.
"Sometimes you go along Highway 174 and I feel like I'm back at SuperEx because you're on this roller coaster there," said Mayor Jim Watson.
Other projects include sidewalk improvements in Sandy Hill, sewer and water upgrades along Main Street, and a new bike path to connect Scott Street and the Ottawa River Parkway. Billings Bridge will also be repaired.
Overall, there will be 28 road, sewer and water projects, 120 roads resurfaced, and 27 bridges and sidewalks repaired. Over 40 sidewalks and pathways will also be renewed.
The infrastructure investment will also ensure a good transportation network during the construction of light rail in the city. It will also prepare Ottawa to host Canada's 150th birthday bash.
"We have to start now planning for that," said Watson. "Get our act together—2017 is not that far away."
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
