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The Quebec and Ontario governments are calling on the National Capital Commission to conduct further studies on options for a new bridge over the Ottawa River on the east side of the city.
The news has delighted opponents of a bridge at the already selected preferred location for the bridge, at Kettle Island. Many residents of Rockcliffe Park and Manor Park say a bridge at Kettle Island would be much to disruptive of their neighbourhoods, bringing heavy truck traffic onto the Aviation Parkway in their backyards.
The deputy transport ministers from both provinces — the top permanent bureaucrats in each department — say the commission, the lead agency representing the federal government on the project, should conduct further study on the top three locations for such a bridge as determined by a year-long process.
These are the Kettle Island location, and others near the Gatineau Airport and Lower Duck Island.
“While a technically preferred corridor has been recommended by the study team, we have heard many in the community express their views that there should be further detailed analysis of the higher-ranked east end alternatives,” wrote Ontario’s deputy transportation minister Bruce McCuaig.
“Therefore, Ontario requests that the NCC direct the study team to carry out further analysis on the three highest scoring alternatives. This analysis would include a review of impacts on communities, economic development and transit, including consideration of any new information on these topics.”
A letter from Quebec’s deputy transportation minister Denys Jean says the same thing.
Earlier this week, NCC board chairman Russell Mills expressed frustration with the City of Ottawa’s waffling on its support of a bridge at Kettle Island.
City council is expected to debate its position on Kettle Island Wednesday.
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