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OTTAWA-It was Gatineau city council’s turn to hear the pitch for the Kettle Island bridge Tuesday, with representatives from the National Capital Commission presenting the environmental assessment to councillors.
Councillors at the meeting raised concerns about the noise that comes with a major thoroughfare, where the new corridor’s exits would fall, and how public transit would adapt.
Joseph De Sylva says he’s worried about the people in his Versant district whose homes face onto Montée Paiement, which would become an artery to the proposed bridge on the Gatineau side of the Ottawa River.
“My questions are what are we going to do for these people,” Mr. De Sylva said. “We know the sound is going to be a big problem for these people who live right on Montée Paiement, so I want to hear what (the consultants) say after the report of Phase 2.”
Mr. De Sylva says he’s satisfied with the environmental assessment so far, but he’ll assess each phase of the process as it goes to council for approval. “Eventually if something really doesn’t go right, I will have to be opposed to the bridge,” he said.
The proposed bridge shows a lack of vision for the national capital region, says one woman who attended the meeting.
“I have concerns about the bridge no matter where it is,” said Nicole DesRoches, who runs an Outaouais environment and sustainable development council called CREDDO. “You can’t build a bridge just for trucks.”
The second phase of the environmental assessment will look at mitigation measures for issues like noise, said Raynald Ledoux, project director for the consulting firm that’s working on the project. Mr. Ledoux said the Kettle Island location meets traffic, cost and environmental needs.
“It’s a clear first (choice). There’s no doubt in our minds from a mathematical point of view,” he said. “Phase 2 will account for this specific location, as well as in Ottawa. And consequently, mitigation measures will be looked into.”
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