OTTAWA - A former Nunavut resident died after being struck by a vehicle on an Ottawa highway late last month.

Rosalie Ugjuk, 43, originally from Iglulik, had lived in Ottawa for about 10 years, and has relatives in Iglulik, Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit and Ottawa. She was also a sister of Alexina Kublu, Nunavut's official languages commissioner.

Ontario Provincial Police Const. Janice Sawbridge said on July 21, they received a call at about 9:43 p.m. concerning a female pedestrian on Highway 417 at Carling Avenue. She said while police were on their way, a second caller reported the female pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.

By the time the OPP and Ottawa Police arrived, the woman was dead. Sawbridge said the driver, who was travelling in the second eastbound lane, was unable to avoid the pedestrian. She added he will not face charges.

Pedestrians and bicycles are not allowed on Ontario's 400-series highways because of the high speeds on them, said Sawbridge.

"We do occasionally get calls about pedestrians on the highway. Most often, it's either someone who is hitchhiking or occasionally we have people on bicycles," she said.

She said it is not uncommon for the OPP to get calls about pedestrians on the highway, but that it's rare for one to get hit by a car.

"Perhaps once or twice a year, it does happen," she said.

Ugjuk's family would not comment at this time.

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