MPCA press release
Press release issued today by the Manor Park Community Association:
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Opponents of Kettle Island Corridor undaunted by NCC decision
The Manor Park Community Association, in concert with other communities along the proposed truck corridor, will continue to fight against a new interprovincial bridge at Kettle Island and the associated expressway carrying heavy commercial truck and commuter traffic on the Aviation Parkway.
“The NCC’s decision today to go forward to the next phase of the study with three corridor options is a small step in the right direction,” says Judy Lishman, Chair of the Manor Park Bridge Committee, “but it does not change our resolve to use every effective measure to remove the Kettle Island bridge proposal once and for all. Heavy diesel trucks are hazardous to people’s health and safety. They do not belong in residential neighbourhoods. We cannot allow the mistakes of the past to be repeated.”
A Kettle Island route would negatively affect residential areas on both sides of the Ottawa River, including 24 Sussex Drive and Government House, because the people in these areas would be exposed to the devastating consequences of increased traffic. Moreover, the Montfort Hospital, the Canadian Aviation Museum, the RCMP Musical Ride, the Rockcliffe Airport, the Rockcliffe Sailing Club, and the Montfort Woods would be seriously impacted. “How can the NCC allow the degradation of these national capital assets,” says John Forsey, President of the Manor Park Community Association. “It flies in the face of their mandate.”
“This route does not link to public transit, either current or future, adds Forsey. “It encourages unsustainable single-occupant automobile commuter traffic and unjustifiably continues to leave trucks in the downtown core, both at the King Edward route and the proposed new route. Millions of taxpayers’ dollars have been wasted on a study that completely ignores the problem it was intended to solve. All Ottawans should be outraged.”
“Kettle Island shouldn’t even be on the table,” says Lishman. “and we will continue to insist that the Province of Ontario take it off and put an end to this inappropriate study. It has been seriously flawed from the outset, and it’s impossible to imagine any outcome that could benefit the citizens of Ottawa.”
For further information:
John Forsey, President
Manor Park Community Association (MPCA) 613-748-8700 (2530)
Judy Lishman, Chair
MPCA Bridge Committee 613-748-1375
Porte-parole en français:
Natalie Belovic 613-747-9914
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