With the recent province-wide implementation of measures of Bill 60 related to bike lane removal, some Ottawa projects will need to undergo major design changes, city staff said on Monday. The bill bans the implementation of a bike lane in place of a lane of traffic, although other reasons for replacing a live lane, including for pedestrian or transit improvements, are not affected by the controversial ruling. Of the 124 existing cycling projects in Ottawa’s Transportation Master Plan, 27 will see forced design changes as a result, with a “relatively modest impact” on other projects in general.

The province’s proposed updates to the mandatory cash bail policy came into effect on Monday. The new legislation requires that, for those granted bail after being charged, the accused would have to pay a cash security deposit within two business days of release with no exceptions, which would then be returned upon case closure. Where applicable, a surety, a person who oversees the adherence of the accused to their bail conditions, may also pay the mandatory bail deposit on that person’s behalf. This overrules previous court policy that allowed for a promise to pay in some cases, where a deposit would not be required upfront.

As Ottawa mayoral candidates continue to debate for their suitability to take the city’s top job, and as they express opinions on incumbent Sutcliffe’s recent decisions, the province reminds that anyone interested in running for municipal office can register until this coming Friday at 2pm. Including Ottawa, city elections will take place province-wide on October 26 for mayor, city councillor and school board trustee positions. Candidates interested for running will also need to ensure they have the required number of signatories and nomination fees paid.