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The Ontario side of the Ottawa River across from the Kettle Island is one of the most attractive recreational sites in this city. It is the location of the Rockcliffe Yacht Club and Ottawa New Edinburgh Club with its heritage boathouse. Many people sail, row, play tennis here, and even have wedding receptions in this beautiful setting.
The surrounding parkland operated by the National Capital Commission is also used by thousands of people for biking, walking, running and picnicking.
Kettle Island itself is still in its wild state, not spoiled by urban encroachment, and countless boaters take advantage of it by camping and picnicking there.
Anybody proposing a bridge carrying truck traffic in the vicinity of Kettle Island or, for that matter, Andrew Haydon Park on the west, must be insane.
The real problem lies in a complete lack of a long-term vision for our region. Development decisions are made by the City of Ottawa and National Capital Commission with a view to solve immediate problems and the key is always the lowest possible cost. No one takes into account long-term effects and total value of the investment.
Why are other possible solutions, such as a ring road with bridges further out from the downtown core or a tunnel under the river, not even discussed? A tunnel might cost more initially, but it will be much more environmentally friendly, and maybe, in the long run, the cost of maintenance will compensate for higher construction costs.
Andrew Niedzwiecki,
Ottawa
© The Ottawa Citizen 2008