No reopening in sight for Parliament, museum paths

The National Capital Commission still has no opening date for the riverside paths behind Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History following this spring's flooding.

The NCC said it will be "weeks" before the multi-use pathways reopen. 

"It's an unfortunate situation that we're having. It's been challenging for our team," said Bruce Devine, the NCC's senior manager of facilities and programs.

Much of the NCC's 250-kilometre pathway network was damaged when sections of it disappeared as the Ottawa River flooded in April and May.

Devine added most of the pathway has been cleaned up, but damage done to the two popular stretches behind the landmarks on opposite sides of the river requires more work to repair. 

'It's a safety concern'

Signs and barriers have been placed at the start of the affected areas, but Devine is urging skeptics to take the warning seriously. 

"It's a safety concern, please respect the signage."

The NCC is currently conducting tests of the soil and surrounding area to check for signs of weakness or contamination. Devine said sinkholes are a real possibility. 

When asked about the possibility of moving the paths further away from the shore to prevent future flooding, he said there likely isn't room in some areas.

"In many areas down the river it's so narrow so there's no place to move (the paths)."

The tests and studies will likely reveal things that can be done in the future, but Devine said he has no idea when results can be expected.