Please note: This email message has been sent by BCC (blind copy) to members of the above study Public / Stakeholder E-mail contact list on behalf of our Consultant Project Manager, Mr. Steven Taylor.
Best regards,
Andrew Harkness (Morrison Hershfield)

May 13, 2014

Dear Sir / Madam:

Re:      Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) – Preliminary Design and Environmental Assessment Study for the Rehabilitation / Replacement of Ottawa Queensway Mid-town Bridges from Holland Avenue to O’Connor Street (G.W.P. 4075-11-00)

Public Information Centre #1

THE STUDY

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained Morrison Hershfield Ltd. (MH) to undertake a preliminary design and environmental assessment study for the rehabilitation and / or replacement of twenty-three bridges (twelve locations) on Highway 417 (Ottawa Queensway) from Holland Avenue to O’Connor Street, in the City of Ottawa. This study will determine the appropriate strategy for the rehabilitation or replacement of the bridges. The study areas are shown on the map below.

Several alternatives will be reviewed for each bridge including structural and construction staging options in order to minimize disruption to the Queensway. In addition, engineering, environmental, and property requirements will be established, along with the identification of mitigation measures to reduce or negate short and long term residual effects.

THE PROCESS 

This study is following the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) planning process for a Group “B” project, with the opportunity for external agency and public consultation throughout the project.

You are invited to attend the first of two Public Information Centres (PICs) with the purpose of introducing the project, explaining the study process, and presenting an assessment of planning solutions (Rehabilitation vs. Replacement) and the preliminary design alternatives. There will be an opportunity to discuss any concerns with MTO staff and members of the consulting team and to provide written comments (to be submitted to the study team by June 6, 2014.)  Please join us at the PIC scheduled on:

Date: Thursday, May 22, 2014

Time: 4:00PM – 8:00PM – Presentation at: 6:30 PM

Location: St. Anthony’s Banquet Hall at 523 St. Anthony Street, Ottawa

Accessible location in accordance with Ontarians with Disability Act

A second PIC will be scheduled to present the technical recommendations and mitigation plan to agencies and members of the public; to obtain comments; and to discuss any concerns with regards to the proposed undertaking. A letter notifying you of the date, time, and location of the second PIC will be sent directly to you along with notification published in The Ottawa Citizen and le Droit and provided on the project website at www.queenswaymidtownbridges.com.

COMMENTS

If you cannot attend this PIC, and you would like to discuss the project, receive additional information, or provide input, please contact the Consultant or MTO Project Manager listed below or visit the project website:

All information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (2009).  With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

Pour des renseignements en français veuillez communiquer avec Kim Eaton au: 613-739-2910 poste 1022449 ou KEaton@morrisonhershfield.com

Yours truly,

Steve Taylor, P.Eng.

Project Manager

c.c.      Don Rowat, Senior Project Engineer, MTO Eastern Region Planning & Design Section

            Kevin Ogilvie, MTO Senior Environmental Planner

Andrew Harkness, Consultant Environmental Manager