Proposed Manor Park sidewalks getting the side eye from some

The City of Ottawa's plan to install sidewalks on some Manor Park streets has some residents concerned. 

The city wants to install new water mains and sewers on a handful of roads in the neighbourhood, and put in sidewalks and traffic-calming measures at the same time. 

It's an "economical" approach that fits in with other planned safety enhancements in the vicinity, said Rideau-Rockcliffe Coun. Rawlson King, who represents the area.

But anti-sidewalk signs asking to the city to not "pave paradise" have sprung up on a number of front yards in Manor Park.

Residents CBC spoke to on Tuesday said the area doesn't generate enough traffic to merit sidewalks. They added they're worried about the up-front and maintenance costs, and the narrowing of the road.

"As a senior I walk my dog every day and I feel safe," said Sandelle Scrimshaw, who bought her home in 1997. 

"Since we've been talking, there hasn't been one car that's gone by," said Carole Sheppard, who's lived in the neighbourhood for over 20 years.

"The street I'm on is only 12 houses, so it's not like we get any real traffic here," said still another long-time resident, Doug George.

King said the city typically only defers project components for exceptional reasons but that he's keeping an open mind as the city's consultations stretch into their eighth month. That includes a survey that went out to all Manor Park residents. 

The city is also hosting a public information for residents on Wednesday.