Note: Phase 2A is now completed (as of June 2010). This website will not be updated until late 2010 once a consultant team is selected to lead Phase 2B, the final step in this Study. Any comments received as part of this Study will be reviewed at that time. To receive notice of the launch of Phase 2B as well as other project updates, please register your e-mail here. More information can also be found at: www.ncc-ccn.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16300-20449-20612&lang=1.
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This Environmental Assessment (EA) Study is a component of the long-term transportation planning by the Federal, Provincial and Municipal authorities in the National Capital Region (NCR). The purpose of this Study is to assess three potential interprovincial bridge locations and the corridors leading to and from them.
A new bridge will be an important addition to the Region’s landscape and will shape the development, growth and vibrancy of the area, for well into the future. As the Region will experience considerable increases in population and employment, a new bridge will be essential in helping to alleviate transportation issues resulting from that growth. In addition, there are major commercial and social exchanges between Ontario and Quebec, and specifically between the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau. A new bridge will be a major facilitator for a more integrated economy and an enhanced cultural and social cohesion between both cities.
The Study is made up of two phases. Phase 1, which was completed in January 2009, looked at the need and timing for new interprovincial crossings and evaluated a number of corridors throughout the Region. Now at Phase 2, the Study is looking more closely at the three locations which received the highest ratings at Phase 1:
- Kettle Island
- Lower Duck Island
- Gatineau Airport/McLaurin Bay.
This second phase of the EA Study will take approximately four years to complete and will involve extensive public consultations at each stage of the process. Phase 2A, which was completed in June 2010, had a mandate to consult with communities, stakeholders and members of the public to obtain their input into the development of the Study Design (methodology for selecting a location) that will be used at Phase 2B, the final step in the EA.
As a result of input submitted during Phase 2A, the Consultant Team were able to make informed changes to the Study Design and CEA Act Scoping document. Details on the Phase 2A Consultation Program and the impact it had in the development of the above reports are outlined in the Consultation Summary Report now available.
Phase 2B is anticipated to begin at the end of 2010. The approvals process for the EA Study is expected to extend until the end of 2013.
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This Environmental Assessment (EA) Study is being directed by a Steering Committee (SC) under the funding partnership of the National Capital Commission (NCC), the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ). It is being guided by a Study Team consisting of the funding partners and the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau.