Setting the record straight re: previous bridge studies
The following was prepared by Judy Lishman to address the history of previous bridge studies and the interpretation of their conclusions.
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Setting the Record Straight
by Judy Lishman
Misinformation is being spread that there have been three studies that have selected Kettle Island as the preferred location for an interprovincial bridge. This is simply not true. To begin with, there has never been an Environmental Assessment Study done for any study. Without an EA Study no bridge site can be selected. The current study will not become an EA Study until it moves into Phase 2.
The preliminary study, in the early nineties, commissioned by JACPAT ( made up of both cities, both regional governments, both provinces and the NCC) did recommend Kettle Island, but this recommendation was never accepted by any of the partners who commissioned the study. In fact, it was vigorously opposed by The City of Ottawa, the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton and the Ontario Government.
Another preliminary study done in 1999 by Steve Taylor, the same lead consultant as the present study, looked at 3 possible east end bridge sites. (The 1999 Interprovincial Transportation Concept Plan) In this study, Petrie Island came first, Lower Duck Island came second, and Kettle Island came last.
In the current study, Steve Taylor has recommended a bridge at Kettle Island. This recommendation has not been accepted by the 3 funding partners as proven by the NCC and the 2 provinces by their decision to commission further study on the top 3 corridors before making a final selection.
Those who are supporting a bridge at Kettle Island also refer back sixty years to the Greber plan. This plan recommended reserving the then empty corridor at Kettle Island for consideration of a future bridge location. This recommendation was never followed and development has taken place along the corridor on both sides of the river. It is ludicrous to use the Greber Plan of 60 years ago as support for a bridge at Kettle Island.
All of the above information is on public record and available to anyone who wishes to verify the facts.
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The 1994 JACPAT study and the 1999 Interprovincial Transportation Concept Plan (as well as other bridge-related document and information) are posted on Councillor Jacques Legendre’s website here: http://www.rideau-rockcliffe.com/ottawa_crossing_e.shtml
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