Message from Madeleine Meilleur, M.P.P for Ottawa-Vanier
See below for comments from Madeleine Meilleur, M.P.P. for Ottawa-Vanier, as she articulates her objections to the Kettle Island Bridge for stopthebridge.org.
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Kettle Island Bridge – A Back to the Future Option
On September 4th, the National Capital Commission’s Technical Evaluation Committee presented its so-called ‘technically and environmentally preferred alternative’ for the Inter-Provincial River Crossing between Ottawa and Gatineau through the Kettle Island Corridor. The study, to say the least, is a major disappointment.
The Kettle Island location represents a major safety concern for residents, public transit users, pedestrians and travelers in the core of our beautiful city. The study itself recognizes that the proposed location would not eliminate heavy truck traffic from King Edward Avenue or the downtown core. The consulting firm that conducted the study states that currently 95% of all trucks crossing the river must circulate through King Edward Avenue in the downtown core in order to connect with Highway 417. The study goes on to suggest, however, that even with the proposed new crossing in place, heavy truck traffic on King Edward Avenue will only be reduced by up to 40%!
I believe this is a senseless option. It was my understanding that one of the key objectives of this study was to find a location for a new crossing in order to eliminate heavy truck traffic from the downtown area. This begs the question: Why would we build another bridge downtown when, in fact, we could easily redirect heavy traffic outside of the core and downtown area?
The Kettle Island location for a new bridge is also counter to most principles and trends guiding modern urban development. Cities that thrive economically are cities that attempt to reduce traffic in their downtown core and replace it with alternative public transit, cyclist or pedestrian-friendly options.
Ottawa is a beautiful, environmentally-friendly city. I urge the NCC and its partners to work towards modern urban development which will enhance our ability to attract businesses, tourists and residents. Traffic congestion compounded with high-risk heavy vehicles do not achieve this objective
As your current MPP and former city and regional councillor, I have had the opportunity to foster community dialogue on this issue, always in support of residents and local businesses, for well over 15 years. I have always maintained that the new bridge should be located away from established residential neighbourhoods in order to avoid congestion and pollution in our community. This is even more relevant now that we know for a fact that the Kettle Island bridge would direct significant heavy truck routes a few hundred yards from the new, expanded Montfort Hospital. This ‘technically preferred’ option might work for engineers, but we need to find a solution that works for people.
I urge all of you to express your concerns by participating in public consultations which will take place in Ottawa on Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 (Salon A, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank Street) and in Gatineau on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 (Agora, Maison du Citoyen, 25 Laurier Street). The schedule for both consultations is as follows: Open House from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Presentation from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM, Questions and Comments from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Please get involved and join me in finding a solution that makes sense for our families, our communities and our beautiful City.
Madeleine Meilleur, M.P.P. for Ottawa-Vanier
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