NCC Board of Directors is Listening
At the December 3 NCC open doors AGM, a contingent of over 200 citizens from Rockcliffe Mews, Manor Park, Lindenlea, Overbrook, Rockcliffe Park, Lowertown, New Edinburgh, Fairhaven, Carson Grove, Gatineau, and other affected communities voiced their concerns over the proposed Kettle Island interprovincial crossing and parkway truck route. Kettle island opponents dominated the question period and got the attention of the NCC Commissioners.
Presentations, most barely squeaking into the allotted 3 minutes, blended personal appeals with hard data and research. A broad range of topics and issues were covered—the NCC mandate and noble purpose; the consultants’ flawed study with emphasis on the study’s skewed weightings and lack of transparency; public health and safety concerns; detrimental affects on the natural environment and recreational green space; threats to national institutions and tourist attractions; and the negative impact on the Montfort Hospital.
As each speaker returned to their seat, audience members cheered and waved bilingual signs that read, “A capital for people, not trucks” and “Kettle Island Bridge—a capital mistake.”
For the Board of Directors, it was no doubt a long evening after a long day, yet the Commissioners remained attentive throughout, taking notes and occasionally asking questions. One member, Dr. Adel Ayed, a physicist by profession, requested a copy of opponents’ analysis of the consultants’ weighting of evaluation criteria. CEO, Marie Lemay, reported that 1,678 letters had been received about the Kettle Island Bridge and were being addressed. Later she stated that the NCC would be reassessing its parkway policy.
At the close of the meeting NCC Chair, Russell Mills, thanked the Kettle Island opponents for taking the time to inform the NCC Board so thoroughly about the issue. Up until now, he said, Commissioners have been relying on reports in the media to provide information.
The NCC is listening and their doors are indeed open.
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