1915 – The idea of a Canal Crossing between the Pretoria Bridge and the Bank Street Bridge dates back as early as 1915
- “The following new bridges are recommended over the Rideau Canal: At Somerset Street, at the bend of the canal, at Main Street, on the line of Carling Avenue, at Fifth Avenue, at the Exhibition Grounds and at Craig Street extended.”
- Report of the Federal Commission on a General Plan for the Cities of Ottawa and Hull (Holt Commission, 1915)
1950 – A ferry operated across the Canal to connect the Glebe and Ottawa East until about 1950
1950′s & 60′s - The National Capital Commission constructed a wooden footbridge across the canal during the winters of the 1950′s and 1960′s. The footbridge was located at Herridge Street and Second Avenue.
2006 / Ongoing – A community group forms to build the case for the creation of a Midtown footbridge over the Rideau Canal. The bridge would provide a critical and safe link for an east-west pedestrian/cyclist route through Ottawa.
2008 – The Ottawa Pedestrian Plan also includes a Canal crossing neat Clegg Street and Fifth Avenue. Council directs staff to include funding for an EA Study for this crossing in the 2010 budget.
2010 – The Statement of Work for the Rideau Canal Multi-Use Crossing Environmental Assessment Study is approved by the City’s Transportation Committee.
Ongoing – The Draft Old Ottawa East Community Design Plan includes the crossing to better connect Old Ottawa East and the Glebe