OC Transpo officials, Councillor Jan Harder, Councillor Steve Desroches and community leaders joined together on Tuesday, March 23rd to review the existing transit and future needs of Barrhaven.    WBCA Directors Randy O'Reilly and Darrell Carson attended on behalf of the West Barrhaven Community Association.
 
With the construction of the Southwest Transitway well underway, the need to outline the future transit services in South Barrhaven was clear.   In addition to the Transitway, new infrastructure networks that are opening up in the area are providing opportunities for new routes to be created.  Barrhaven is seeing some of the largest infrastructure growth in the City of Ottawa with the recent opening of the Longfields Drive extension to Bill Leathem Drive, the future Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge, and the extensions of Strandherd Drive, Longfields Drive to Jockvale Road, and Chapman Mills Drive.
 
“We have heard complaints over the years from residents about poor bus service,” said Councillor Jan Harder.  “This forum will assist us in providing better transit in Barrhaven.”
 
The growth in population in Barrhaven has also increased the need for more transit service.  By 2021 it is expected that Barrhaven's population will exceed 88,000 residents.  The Southwest Transitway will provide residents with a connection to all area of Ottawa from the core of the community.  The Chapman Mills Town Centre being constructed south of the Transitway is being constructed with transit in mind and will see a focus on a pedestrian community.
 
"It was important to get the community's feedback on OC Transpo's current and future needs," said Councillor Steve Desroches.  "Local residents have a first-hand knowledge of what is working and what is not with the current route system and we wanted to harness the feedback."
 
The Barrhaven Transit Forum's objective was to get the community perspective on route proposals from OC Transpo.  This is the first such forum where leaders brainstormed on Barrhaven’s current and future needs.  It was important to hear from users and non-users alike for a range of perspectives.
 
The results of the Barrhaven Transit Forum will be presented at the Spring Open House hosted by Councillors Harder and Desroches.  It will be held on April 13th, 2010 in the upper concourse of the Walter Baker Centre from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.  It is not too late for residents to have their say.  Residents are invited to come out to the Open House to continue the conversation about transit in Barrhaven.