Two years expected for environmental assessment process
Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The City of Ottawa has initiated a study and is seeking public input to develop recommendations for the widening of the Airport Parkway between Brookfield Rd. and the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, and the widening of Lester Rd. from the Airport Parkway to Bank Street.
Three open houses will be held during the course of the study to review and discuss the project with residents and solicit feedback, a city news release says.
The notice of study commencement and the project overview can be found at ottawa.ca.
The City of Ottawa initiated the Airport Parkway Widening and Lester Road Widening Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to determine the most appropriate means to accommodate and manage increasing transportation requirements related to growth in the surrounding communities and airport lands. The Trillium Line (O-Train) Extension Study is also underway within the same study area. The two projects are being co-ordinated to manage areas where they intersect.
A recommended plan will be developed and evaluated in accordance with Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act, fulfilling requirements as a Municipal Class EA process for a Schedule C project, and will be presented to City Council for approval.
The Environmental Assessment process requires a comprehensive consultation program involving many stakeholders, including the City of Ottawa, the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, the National Capital Commission, approval and regulatory agencies, local community associations and businesses, special advisory and interest groups and members of the public.
The study is expected to take 24 months to complete.
