Greely

| Sarah Simpkin

[ This is part one of a three part tour to Greely, Metcalfe and Vernon branches. ]

It’s hard to believe it, but autumn is officially here in Ottawa, and with it, the trail end of my summer cycling adventure. Left on my docket were a trio of far-flung (to me) branches on the southernmost edge of Ottawa, plus my final and much-beloved local branch, Emerald Plaza. It was time to start pedalling.

My electric blue ride courtesy of fellow library person Joan, plus my exit strategy from Westboro along the Byron bike lane to Island Park.

The “Greely loop” is over 88 km long, which I knew would be pushing my comfortable daily limit. My friend Joan’s “if you ever want to borrow it” invitation to ride her new e-bike was most welcome, and I jumped at the opportunity to use it for the ride to Greely.

Riding south on Fisher Avenue, then across the bridges at Hog’s Back near Mooney’s Bay. The leaves are really starting to turn now.

I left Westboro on Island Park, then continued on Fisher Avenue to Dynes Road and the bridges at Hog’s Back. From there, I retraced the same route as my ride to Greenboro, along the Sawmill Creek Path and Airport Parkway.

Riding along the Sawmill Creek Path toward Hunt Club Road, then along Albion Road. The shoulder was wide, the wind at my back, and before I knew it I was through the Greenbelt.

Albion Road is the recommended bike-friendly route to Greely. The shoulders were paved, and traffic was ligher than I suspect it would have been on Bank Street. The Rideau Carleton Raceway is on Albion too, a landmark that is one of the main flightpaths into YOW. It was novel to see it from the side, rather than from above.

First signs of Greely!

Greely is a mostly residential community, with large lots and a quiet feeling. I entered through the Sunset Lakes subdivison off Mitch Owens Road, and meandered through the streets to find the library on Meadow Drive.

Lunch at Greely branch, where you won’t believe it, I found another sculpture of children on a bench!

Greely branch is a compact but lovely library, with lots of natural light and materials throughout. I enjoyed a picnic lunch in the park next door, then entered the library for a quick visit before heading out to my next stop.

Thirty branches down, 3 to go.