Fatal crash prompts calls for overnight closure of Gatineau Park

After two people were killed in a car crash Tuesday night, some drivers and cyclists say GatineauPark should be closed overnight to deter speeders.

A man and woman, who were both in their early 20s,died when their car crashed into trees along the Champlain Parkway near the Huron Lookoutjust before midnight Tuesday.

• 2 dead in single-car crash in Gatineau Park

RCMP say speeding was likely a factor.

Officers have not yet identified the victims.

'It could have been us'

Motorcycle riders sayGatineauPark's smooth asphalt, winding roadsand lack of vehicles andpolicemake it attractive to speeders.

Nick Klimowiczvisits the park once a week on his motorcycle to watch the sunset and said heregularly sees people going over the speed limit.

"There is definitely speeding that goes on here," saidNick Klimowicz. "I think it's because the roads are in such good shape and there's not a lot of motorists on them."

Should Gatineau Park be closed at night?

6 years ago

Duration 0:29

After a fatal crash, some users say Gatineau Park should be closed overnight. Others say speeding could be addressed by increasing police patrols.

Camila Calvi, 18, saidshe remembers being in a car two years ago with friends who drove around thepark at 120 km/hin a 60 km/h zone.

"It was scary," said Calvi. "Things could have happened. Things could have gone wrong. It could have been us in that crash."

She's now older and wiser, but saidshe still has a lot of friends who race around GatineauPark for the thrill. Closing the gates at nightcould prevent another tragedy, she said.

'I've never personally seen police here'

Cyclist AlbertSaikaleyagrees. "You're not going to stop people from speeding," he said."At least close it off."

He'sbeen biking in the park for 30 years and saidhe hasn't ever seenRCMPpatrolling the roads.

"I've heard of speed traps the odd time but I've never personally seen police here," Saikaley said.

Cycling enthusiast Doug Van Den Ham saidhe regularly spots tracks where cars have driven off the road and has on occasion seencars still stuck in the embankment in the morning. He also thinks closing the park at night could help.

"I think the cover of darkness is definitely emboldening some people," said Van Den Ham. "If there aren't the resources to police throughout the night to deal with racing up there, that might be the best option."

'We should just share responsibly'

Others saidit should be up to police to crack down on the problem rather than shutting down roads at night.

"I think the roads are here for everybody and we should just share responsibility," said motorcycle driver Klimowicz."It could be patrolled more."

RCMP saidpolice regularly patrolthe park, including at night, and that the force isworking with partners to improve public safety.

As for the NCC, it saidit wouldn't comment at this time out of respect for the victims and their families.