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Public Involvement Centre #1 - Summary Report

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Preliminary Design Study and Environmental Assessment G.W.P. 663-93-00, Highway 417 (Ottawa Queensway) From Highway 416 Easterly to Anderson Road Public Involvement Centre No. 1 - Summary Report October 2003

Prepared by: Sarah Raetsen, B.Sc., Assistant Environmental Planner Reviewed by: Brenda Jamieson, P.Eng., Assistant Project Manager

Table of Contents1.0 Introduction 2.0 Public And Agency Notification 3.0 Presentation Material 4.0 Public Comments 5.0 Analysis Of Comments 6.0 Conclusion

FigureFigure 1 Study Area

TablesTable 1 Summary Of Agency Contacts Table 2 Summary Of Public Comments

AppendicesAppendix A Public Involvement Centre No. 1 Notices

Appendix B Sample Notification Letters to Interested Public, Special Interest Groups and External Agencies

Appendix C Public Involvement Centre No. 1 Exhibits (see: Get Involved: Public Involvement Centre #1

Appendix D Summary of Comments Received and Responses

1.0 Introduction

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO), in partnership with Totten Sims Hubicki (TSH) Associates, and in

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consultation with the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission, is undertaking a Preliminary Design Study and Class Environmental Assessment of the Ottawa Queensway (Highway 417) from Highway 416 easterly to Anderson Road. This study will be carried out in accordance with the "Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities, 2000" and will assess the short and longer term needs of this section of the Queensway in terms of potential operational improvements, Transportation Demand Measures (TDM), and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in order to enhance mobility and reduce congestion. In addition, the study will investigate alternatives for, and recommend an interchange configuration at Hunt Club Road.

In accordance with the Government of Ontario's SmartGrowth objectives, the Queensway study is intended to evaluate opportunities to maximize the use of the existing facility, while providing for the efficient movement of people and goods and reducing gridlock.

Figure 1 Study Area

Highway 417 (Ottawa Queensway) Preliminary Design Study and Environmental Assessment from Highway 416 easterly to Anderson Road MTO G.W.P. 663-93-00

The purpose of this report is to present an overview of the first round of Public Involvement Centres (PICs) and to document public response in accordance with the approved planning process for Group 'B' projects under the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000).

The first round of PICs were held on:



Tuesday, January 21, 2003 Pineview Golf Club 471 Blair Road Gloucester

Wednesday, January 22, 2003 Jim Durrell Arena 1265 Walkley Road Ottawa

Thursday, January 23, 2003 Confederation High School 1645 Woodroffe Avenue Nepean

Thursday, January 30, 2003 Ottawa City Hall 110 Laurier Avenue West Ottawa

The first three PIC sessions were held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The fourth session on Thursday January 30 was extended by one hour to 9:00 p.m. A Municipal and Agency Review Session was held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. prior to the first session on Tuesday January 21. Its purpose was to allow external agencies to view the presentation material and to discuss the project with Ministry and consultant representatives. The main PIC sessions provided an opportunity for all members of the public to view the display material and to discuss the project with Ministry and consultant representatives. Attendees were encouraged to provide written comments.

Ministry of Transportation and consultant representatives were available to respond to any inquiries. Ministry representatives included:

● Senior Project Engineer - Dave Lindensmith● Area Engineer, Planning and Design - Phil Pawliuk● Environmental Planner, Environmental Unit - Dave McAvoy● Senior Environmental Planner, Acoustics - Chris Blaney

Consultant representatives included:

● Project Manager, Study Consultant - Brian Ruck● Assistant Project Manager - Brenda Jamieson● Environmental Planner - Paul Moore● Transportation Planning / Traffic Engineer - Mike Delsey / Doug Robertson● Integration Modeler - Rajeev Roy● Noise Specialist - Steve Taylor● Additional support staff, including two French speaking individuals

The purpose of the first PIC was to present the following:

● Introduce Project;● Present Draft Study Design Report;● Present the assessment and evaluation of "Alternatives to" the Undertaking;● Identify the "Alternative(s) to" the Undertaking which will be carried forward;● Present background information, including the Traffic Analysis, Environmental Inventories and

Corridor Analysis;● Present Long-List and Short-Listed "Alternative Methods" for the Undertaking at a conceptual

level;● Present the evaluation criteria and methodology to select the Technically Preferred Alternative(s);



and● To obtain public input.

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2.0 Public and Agency Notification

One of the key objectives of the environmental planning process is to provide the public, interested parties and affected agencies with ample and frequent opportunities for meaningful input. In order to ensure this objective is met, a comprehensive public and agency notification program was undertaken and included the following:

Newspaper Notices

Notices for the first three PIC sessions were placed in the following local newspapers the week of January 13, 2003:

● Ottawa Citizen (English Version)● Ottawa Sun (English Version)● Ottawa Le Droit (French Version)● Nepean This Week (English Version)● Kanata Kourier (English Version)● The Star (Gloucester) - (English Version)● Weekly Journal - East Edition (English Version)● Weekend Outaouais (French Version)

Notices for the PIC held on Thursday January 30, 2003 were placed in the following newspapers:

● Ottawa Citizen (English Version): Wednesday January 22 and Saturday January 25, 2003;● Ottawa Sun (English Version): Wednesday January 22 and Saturday January 25, 2003; and● Le Droit (French Version): Wednesday January 22 and Saturday January 25, 2003.

The English and French versions of the PIC No. 1 notices are provided in Appendix A.

Flyers

On Wednesday January 8, 2003, flyers consisting of the English version of the PIC Notice on one side and the French version of the PIC Notice on the other side were delivered to a number of high exposure locations in proximity to the Queensway study area. The approach used for distribution was to maximize the exposure in locations other than the single family residential areas, anticipating that the latter will be notified through the residents' associations and by the newspaper advertisements. In locations such as the YMCA and the high density apartment buildings on Lees Avenue, notices were placed in a number of prominent locations including laundry rooms, on lobby bulletin boards and on community service boards. In locations where interest was anticipated from employees commuting to work, copies were left for circulation as well as for posting. Community colleges, community recreational facilities and libraries were mailed copies of the notice with a request to post them prominently. A copy of the notices are provided in Appendix A.

The following list identifies the majority of locations at which notices were posted or left:



● Royal Ottawa Hospital● Queensway Carleton Hospital● Ottawa Civic Hospital● Florida Fitness, Morrison Drive● Ottawa Citizen, National Post, Baxter Street● Ottawa-Carleton School Board● Independent Grocers, Westgate Plaza● MTO Licencing Facility, Walkley Road● MTO Licencing Facility, Tremblay Road● Loblaws, Metcalfe Street and Isabella Street● YMCA Argyle Avenue● 169, 170, 171, 180, 190 Lees Avenue (apartment buildings)

A copy of the flyer was also mailed to all individuals on the study mailing list. In addition, letters of notification were mailed to special interest groups and external agencies. Sample notification letters are provided in Appendix B.

Agency Contacts

Letters of notification were sent to the external agencies listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Summary of Agency Contacts

Municipal Contacts

OC Transpo, City of Ottawa Transit Services

Public Works and Government Services

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

Ottawa-Carleton Catholic Separate School Board

French Public School Board

Conseil des écoles publiques de langue française

Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario

Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce

Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority

Ottawa Economic Development Corporation

Transport 2000

Real Estate Board of Ottawa-Carleton

Provincial Contacts

Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Region

Ministry of Natural Resources, Kemptville Provincial District Office Government Office

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Eastern Region

Ministry of Tourism, Eastern Region

Ministry of Environment, Ottawa District Office

Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ottawa Office



Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

Federal Contacts

National Capital Commission

Environment Canada, Ontario Region Great Lakes and Corporate Affairs

Navigable Waters Protection Program Canadian Coast Guard Central and Arctic Region

Health Canada

National Energy Board

Environmental Services, A & ES

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Prescott District Office

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency - Ontario Region

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Other Agency Contacts

Algonquins of Pikwakanagan

Mohawks of Akwesasne

Ontario Restaurant and Hotel/Motel Association

The Ontario Trucking Association

CAA Ontario

Ontario East Economic Development Commission

Community Groups

Child & Youth Friendly Ottawa

Champlain Park Community Association

Centretown Citizens' Community Association

Carleton Heights and Area Residents Association

Carlingwood Community Association

Cardinal Glen Association

Carlington Community Association

Canterbury Community Association

Britannia Woods Community Association

Belltown Neighbours

Bel Air-Kenson Park Community Association

Alta Vista Residents Association

Alta Vista Community Association

Action Sandy-Hill/Action Cote-de-Sable

Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Association

Island Park Community Association

Hunt Club Park Community Association

Hintonburg Community Association



Highland Park Ratepayers' Association

Heron Park North Community Association

Glebe Community Alliance

Glabar Park Community Alliance Inc.

Frank Ryan Park Community Association

Foster Farm Community Association

Federation of Citizens' Associations of Ottawa-Carleton

Fairlea Community Association

Faircrest Heights Community Association

Dow's Lake Residents' Association

Dalhousie Community Association

Copeland Park Community Alliance

Coalition of Inner City Community Associations

Old Ottawa South Community Association

New Edinburgh Community Alliance

Neighbourhood Alert

McNabb Neighbourhood Improvement Bunch (McNib)

Manor Park Community Association

Lowertown Community Association

Lindenlea Community Association

King Edward Avenue Task Force

Roseberry Avenue Residents Committee Inc.

Riverside Park Community & Recreation Association

Riverview Park Community Association

Ridgement Community Association

Quinterra Riverwood Community Association

Queensway Terrace North Community Association

Ottawa Uplands Limited

Ottawa East Community Association

Citizens for Safe Cycling

Woodroffe North Community Association

West Wellington Community Association

Woodpark Community Association

Whitehaven Community Association

Westboro Community Association

Westboro Beach Community Association (Inc.)

Uplands on the Rideau Association



St-Laurent Community Association

South Key/Greenboro Community Association

In summary, the notification of PIC No. 1 was communicated to the general public and all identified community interest groups and federal, provincial and municipal agencies.

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3.0 Presentation Material

To view the exhibits presented at Public Involvement Centre No. 1, which are provided in Appendix C, go to Get Involved: Public Involvement Centre #1

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4.0 Public Comments

The total number of people who signed the register and the number of comment sheets that were received during the first round of PICs are summarized as follows:

● Ninety-five (95) persons registered and fifty (50) comment sheets were received for Tuesday January 21;

● One hundred (100) persons registered and forty-nine (49) comment sheets were received for Wednesday January 22;

● Ninety-four (94) persons registered and forty-seven (47) comment sheets were received for Thursday January 23; and

● Two hundred thirty-seven (237) persons registered and one hundred seventy-six (176) comment sheets were received for Thursday January 30.

In addition, approximately one hundred fifty-four (154) e-mails, twenty-seven (27) letters and faxes, and thirteen (13) telephone calls were received in the two weeks following the PICs.

The public comments documented on the comment sheets are summarized in Table 2. A summary of the comments received and the responses provided can be found in Appendix D of this report.

Table 2: Summary of Public Comments

January 21, 2003

Description of Comment Number of Comments

Focus should be on public transit not roadway widening 19

Widening the Queensway will lead to more cars "short-cutting" through side streets, thereby creating greater traffic congestion and safety issues

1


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There should be an increase in TDM alternatives including adding car pool lots, reducing the speed limit on the Queensway and adding HOV lanes

5

Concerned about property impacts including devaluation and expropriation

12

Concerned about impacts on neighbourhoods due to loss of houses, movement of neighbours, etc.

2

Concerns regarding the loss of historical buildings in the downtown core due to expropriation

2

Concerns regarding the impacts to individuals due to the loss of homes, changes in neighbourhoods, etc.

2

Comments related to a specific location 6

Comments related to a specific ramp 9

Need to be able to access study information on a project-specific website

4

Comments related to a specific sketch presented at the PIC

3

Concerns regarding increased vibration levels on homes in close proximity to the Queensway

2

Concerns regarding an overall increase in air pollution 9

Concerns regarding an increase in noise levels on properties in close proximity to the Queensway

11

Questioned why the study is planning to increase the number of cars on the road, thus increasing pollution levels at a time when the Kyoto Accord is so important

2

Concerns regarding the impacts to cyclists and their highway crossings

4

Concerns related to the pedestrian crossings at on and off ramps and interchanges (safety)

4

Questions as to "when will the widening begin?" and "how long will it take to complete the widening?"

1

Concerns regarding a decline in safety due to more cars on the roads

3

Concerns regarding an increase in poor health due to increased pollutants in the air, increased stress levels, etc.

3

Request for particular information presented at the PIC 5

Concerns regarding the lack of a PIC in an area closer to the centre core (note: January 30 PIC at City Centre added to address this concern)

5

Concerns regarding the amount of information to be viewed at the PIC

5

Concerns regarding the lack of co-ordination with the City of Ottawa on this study

2

Request for more/larger sound barriers on the Queensway 1



Support for the need to increase lanes on the Queensway 1

Request to be placed on the mailing list for the study 5

Request to be placed on the Public Advisory Committee 1

January 22, 2003




8


11


2


2


2




5


4


2



2


1


1


1


1


Concerns regarding the lack of a PIC in an area closer to the centre core (note: January 30 PIC added at City Centre to address this concern)

1


1




7


Inquired about a Ring Road 4


Request to be put on the Public Advisory Committee 2

January 23, 2003




10


7



Need to be able to access Study information on a project-specific website

4


4


Concerns regarding an increase in noise levels on homes in close proximity to the Queensway

4


1


2


2


1


1


Concerns regarding the lack of a PIC in an area closer to the centre core (note: January 30 PIC at City Centre added to address this concern)

1


1


6






Concerns regarding the EA Process 5


January 30, 2003




21

Concerned about property Impacts including devaluation and expropriation

60


18


18


18



Widening the Queensway will lead to more cars "short-cutting" through side streets, thereby creating greater traffic congestion and safety issues

16


9


21


3


Concerns regarding an increase in noise levels on homes in close proximity to the Queensway

21


6


12


12


13




13


Concerns regarding the lack of a PIC in an area closer to the centre core (note: January 30 PIC at the City Centre added to address this concern)

11


11


36




Concerns regarding the EA Process 4

Has anyone considered making the Queensway a "tolled" roadway?

1


Request to be put on the Public Advisory Committee 1

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5.0 Analysis Of Comments

The results of the comment sheets received and discussions held at the first round of PICs are generally summarized below:

● The majority of attendees stated that public transit needs to be a priority not the addition of lanes to the Queensway which will provide increased capacity for cars. Other alternatives to the undertaking, such as HOV lanes, should also be reviewed further.

● A number of attendees stated that they were opposed to the widening of the Queensway.● The main areas of concern included property impacts, property loss, neighbourhood impacts,

noise, air quality and vibration impacts, and safety.● Members of the public were concerned about the loss of heritage buildings in Old Ottawa East,

including the Old City Hall building. In general, the public showed concern about changes to their community due to the possible demolition of houses and buildings, and the loss of neighbours.

● Concern was expressed that the study is being carried out without input from the City of Ottawa.● A number of concerns were site-specific in nature, including concerns about particular ramps and

specific alternatives under consideration.● A number of attendees requested that their name be added to the mailing list. There were also

several requests to be added to the Public Advisory Committee.● There were requests for a project-specific website and/or hard copies for the PIC presentation

material.

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6.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, the combination of the strong turn-out to the PICs and the considerable number of written responses received has allowed key issues important to the attendees and interested parties to be clearly documented. This strong feedback will provide TSH with the opportunity to ensure that key issues are dealt with as completely as possible before undertaking the assessment and evaluation of the design alternatives and presenting the Technically Preferred Alternative to the public at the second round of PICs.

The majority of the attendees at the PIC expressed concern about the widening of the Queensway and the overall long-term impacts on the property owners in the vicinity of the Queensway. Many of the comments were related to property and neighbourhood impacts and air pollution, vibration and noise levels impacts over the years as the number of vehicles on the Queensway increases.

Many attendees at the PIC expressed concern that increasing the number of lanes on the Queensway would only invite more single-occupancy vehicles onto the road. Many people feel that the answer to the problem of congestion on the Queensway is to increase public transit, thereby forcing individuals to leave their vehicles and use local transit.

Residents of the centre core felt that they were being negatively impacted in order to allow people living in the suburbs to use their vehicles to get to the downtown area. Many residents of the centre core stressed that they moved to the centre area to avoid the use of a vehicle, having the opportunity to walk to their destinations or to take public transit.

No major concerns were expressed about the environmental inventory work undertaken for the study nor were any concerns expressed regarding the proposed evaluation methodology and evaluation criteria.

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Summary Report | Appendix A | Appendix B | Appendix C | Appendix D

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Public Involvement Centre #1 - Summary Report: Appendix A


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Public Involvement Centre No. 1 - Summary Report Appendix A Notices

Ontario Government Notice Notice of Public Involvement Centres

Highway 417, (Ottawa Queensway) Preliminary Design Study and Environmental Assessment

from Highway 416 easterly to Anderson Road MTO G.W.P. 663-93-00

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) in partnership with Totten Sims Hubicki (TSH) Associates Limited and in consultation with the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission, is undertaking a Preliminary Design Study and Class Environmental Assessment of the Ottawa Queensway (Highway 417) from Highway 416 easterly to Anderson Road.

The study will assess the short and longer term needs of this section of the Queensway in terms of potential operational improvements, Transportation Demand Measures (TDM) including High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (HOV), and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in order to enhance mobility and reduce congestion. The study will also consider a new interchange at Hunt Club Road.

The Queensway study is intended to evaluate opportunities to maximize the use of the existing facility, while providing for the efficient movement of people and goods and reducing gridlock.

Study Area


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This project follows the approved environmental planning process for Group "B" projects under the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) with the opportunity for public input throughout. Three rounds of Public Involvement Centres (PICs) are planned at key points in the study to provide the public with information regarding the study and to receive public input. The PICs will be a 'drop in' format with representatives of the MTO and TSH in attendance to answer questions about the study.

The first round of PICs will provide the public with an opportunity to review and comment on the following:

● Study Design;● Inventories of Existing Conditions;● Alternatives to the Undertaking;● Preliminary Long List of Alternatives; and● Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Methodology.

The PICs are scheduled for:

Tuesday January 21, 2003 Pineview Golf Club 1471 Blair Road Gloucester 4:00 to 8:00 PM

Wednesday January 22, 2003 Jim Durrell Arena 1265 Walkley Road Ottawa 4:00 to 8:00 PM

Thursday January 23, 2003 Confederation High School 1645 Woodroffe Avenue Nepean 4:00 to 8:00 PM

Upon completion of the study, a Transportation Environmental Study Report will be available for public



review and comment. A notice of submission will be published at that time.

There is an opportunity at any time during the environmental assessment process for interested persons to provide comments and review outstanding issues. If, after consulting with the Ministry's consultants and staff, you have serious unresolved concerns, you have the right to request the Minister of the Environment to "bump-up" (i.e. make a Part II Order for) this project. A Part II Order may lead to preparation of an individual environmental assessment.

Des reseignements sur ce programme sont disponsibles en français en composant (613) 592-3699 Ext. 240, Mr. David Normand.

Comments

With the exception of personal information, all comments received will become part of the public record. We are interested in receiving your comments or concerns regarding this project. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please either complete the "clip out" coupon and send it to the Consultant Project Manager or contact him by phone or e-mail. Please feel free to contact either of the individuals listed below if you would like to discuss any issue related to this study.

Mr. Brian Ruck, P.Eng. C.V.S. Consultant Project Manager TSH Engineers Architects Planners 300 Water Street Whitby, ON L1N 9J2 Phone: 1-800-668-1983 or 905-668-4021 ext. 250 Fax: 905-665-4867 E-Mail: [email protected]

or Mr. David Lindensmith, P.Eng. Senior Project Engineer Planning and Design Section Eastern Region Ontario Ministry of Transportation 1355 John Counter Boulevard Kingston, ON K7L 5A3 Phone: 1-800-267-0295 or (613) 540-5130 Fax: (613) 540-5106 E-Mail: [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]




Ontario Government Notice Notice of Public Involvement Centres

Highway 417, (Ottawa Queensway) Preliminary Design Study and Environmental Assessment

from Highway 416 easterly to Anderson Road MTO G.W.P. 663-93-00

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) in partnership with Totten Sims Hubicki (TSH) Associates Limited and in consultation with the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission, is undertaking a Preliminary Design Study and Class Environmental Assessment of the Ottawa Queensway (Highway 417) from Highway 416 easterly to Anderson Road.

The study will assess the short and longer term needs of this section of the Queensway in terms of potential operational improvements, Transportation Demand Measures (TDM) including High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (HOV), and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in order to enhance mobility and reduce congestion. The study will also consider a new interchange at Hunt Club Road.

The Queensway study is intended to evaluate opportunities to maximize the

Study Area




This project follows the approved environmental planning process for Group "B" projects under the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) with the opportunity for public input throughout. Three rounds of Public Involvement Centres (PICs) are planned at key points in the study to provide the public with information regarding the study and to receive public input. The PICs will be a 'drop in' format with representatives of the MTO and TSH in attendance to answer questions about the study.

The first round of PICs will provide the public with an opportunity to review and comment on the following:

● Study Design;● Inventories of Existing Conditions;● Alternatives to the Undertaking;● Preliminary Long List of Alternatives; and● Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Methodology.

This PIC has been added to those already scheduled for January 21, 22 and 23, and the same information will be presented as at the other PIC's. The particulars of this additional PIC are:

Thursday January 30, 2003 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Jean Pigott Place Ground Floor Ottawa City Hall 110 Laurier Avenue West

Upon completion of the study, a Transportation Environmental Study Report will be available for public review and comment. A notice of submission will be published at that time.

There is an opportunity at any time during the environmental assessment process for interested persons to provide comments and review outstanding issues. If, after consulting with the Ministry's consultants and staff, you have serious unresolved concerns, you have the right to request the Minister of the Environment to "bump-up" (i.e. make a Part II Order for) this project. A Part II Order may lead to preparation of an individual environmental assessment.

Des reseignements sur ce programme sont disponsibles en français en composant (613) 592-3699 Ext. 240, Mr. David Normand.

Comments

With the exception of personal information, all comments received will become part of the public record. We are interested in receiving your comments or concerns regarding this project. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please either complete the "clip out" coupon and send it to the Consultant Project Manager or contact him by phone or e-mail. Please feel free to contact either of the individuals listed below if you would like to discuss any issue related to this study.



Mr. Brian Ruck, P.Eng. C.V.S. Consultant Project Manager TSH Engineers Architects Planners 300 Water Street Whitby, ON L1N 9J2 Phone: 1-800-668-1983 or 905-668-4021 ext. 2250 Fax: 905-665-4867 E-Mail: [email protected]

or Mr. David Lindensmith, P.Eng. Senior Project Engineer Planning and Design Section Eastern Region Ontario Ministry of Transportation 1355 John Counter Boulevard Kingston, ON K7L 5A3 Phone: 1-800-267-0295 or (613) 540-5130 Fax: (613) 540-5106 E-Mail: [email protected]





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Public Involvement Centre #1 - Summary Report: Appendix B


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Public Involvement Centre No. 1 - Summary Report Appendix B Sample Notification Letters to Interested Public, Special Interest Groups and External Agencies

Agency Letter

January 2, 2003

"FirstName" "LastName" "JobTitle" "Company" "Address1" "Address2" "City", "State" "Postal Code"

Re: Highway 417 Preliminary Design Study and Environmental Assessment From Highway 416 to Anderson Road, G.W.P. 663-93-00 Public Involvement Centre No. 1

Dear Sir or Madam:

Totten Sims Hubicki (TSH) Associates, in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), is undertaking a Preliminary Design Study for improvements to Highway 417 (Ottawa Queensway) from west of Highway 416 easterly to Anderson Road, City of Ottawa.

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The Highway 417 corridor from Highway 416 easterly through the heart of the City of Ottawa Central Business District, currently experiences considerable congestion during the AM and PM peak travel periods. The study will assess the short (0-10 years) and longer-term (11-20 years) operational needs of this section of the Queensway in terms of potential operational improvements, Transportation Demand Measures (TDM) including High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (HOV), and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The Queensway study is intended to evaluate opportunities to maximize the use of the existing facility within the study area, while studies by others will look at the longer-term transportation requirements of the City. The study will also consider a new interchange at Hunt Club Road.

The study will follow an approved planning process for Group "B" undertakings, as per the requirements the 'Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000)'. Upon completion of the study, a Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) will be available for public review and comment.

You are cordially invited to attend the first round of Public Involvement Centres (PICs) for the Highway 417 Preliminary Design Study scheduled for:

Tuesday January 21, 2003 Pineview Golf Club 1471 Blair Road Gloucester 4:00 to 8:00 PM

Wednesday January 22, 2003 Jim Durrell Arena 1265 Walkley Road Ottawa 4:00 to 8:00 PM

Thursday January 23, 2003 Confederation High School 1645 Woodroffe Avenue Nepean 4:00 to 8:00 PM

In addition, you are invited to attend a viewing of the presentation material prior to the opening of the first PIC on Tuesday January 21, 2003. The Municipal and Agency Review Session will commence at 2:00 p.m.

A copy of the ad is attached for your information.

The purpose of this round of PICs will be to present the following:

● Study Design;● Inventories of Existing Conditions;● Alternatives to the Undertaking;● Preliminary Long List of Alternatives;● Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Methodology; and



● To receive input with respect to issues within the study area.

If you cannot attend, and you would like to discuss the project, please contact Brian Ruck, Consultant Project Manager or David Lindensmith, MTO Project Manager, at 1-800-267-0295.

Yours very truly,

Brian Ruck, P.Eng. C.V.S. Consultant Project Manager Telephone: 905-668-4021 ext. 2250 Fax: 905-665-4867 E-mail: [email protected]

cc: David Lindensmith, P.Eng., MTO Dave McAvoy, MTO Paul Moore, TSH

Community Association Letter

January 10, 2003

"FirstName" "LastName" "JobTitle" "Company" "Address1" "Address2" "City", "State" "Postal Code"

Re: Highway 417 Preliminary Design Study and Environmental Assessment From Highway 416 to Anderson Road, G.W.P. 663-93-00 Public Involvement Centre No. 1



Dear Sir or Madam:

Totten Sims Hubicki (TSH) Associates, on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), is undertaking a Preliminary Design Study for improvements to Highway 417 from west of Highway 416 easterly to Anderson Road, City of Ottawa.

The study has now advanced to a point where we would like to solicit public input on the work undertaken to date, and therefore we have arranged to hold our first round of Public Involvement Centres (PIC's) during the week of January 20th. Details concerning the PIC's are contained on the attached flyers. Please distribute these to members of your Association as you see fit. A French language version is available upon request.

If you have any concerns and/or comments regarding this project and wish to provide input into the study, please contact me at your convenience.

Yours very truly,

Brian Ruck, P.Eng. C.V.S. Consultant Project Manager Telephone: 905-668-4021 ext. 2250 Fax: 905-665-4867 1-800-668-1983 E-mail: [email protected]

attach: PIC Notice

cc: David Lindensmith, P.Eng., Sr. Project Engineer Dave McAvoy, MTO, Environmental Planner Paul Moore, TSH, Environmental Planner








http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/french/engineering/417ea/pic1/appendixB.htm

Public Involvement Centre #1 - Summary Report: Appendix D


Location: Ministry Home > Highway Management > Ottawa Queensway Study > PIC #1 - Summary Report: Appendix D

Public Involvement Centre No. 1 - Summary Report Appendix D Summary of Comments Received and Responses

Comments Received - Responses

Comments related to a specific location

Your concern regarding the ___ and its effects on the surrounding community has been noted and will be considered in the assessment of the alternatives for this area. The broad range of options which have been identified to-date, in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment process, will be reviewed and evaluated in detail prior to any decisions being made. The evaluation criteria will consider not only transportation factors, but also natural environment factors, social and cultural environment factors, and impacts to land use and properties.

Hunt Club Road is under the jurisdiction of the City of Ottawa. However, your comments regarding this facility will be discussed with the City through our Municipal Technical Advisory Committee.

Focus should be on public transit not roadway widening

The Ministry recognizes that transit is key to a balanced and integrated transportation system. The provincial government is investing in transit in the Ottawa area. For example, $12.9 M was provided to help the City of Ottawa purchase 79 new coach buses in 2002. The same amount will be provided in 2003 for transit renewal. Under the Transit Investment Partnership (TIP) program, $19.7 M has been provided to Ottawa for transit infrastructure projects and other initiatives, including the Rapid Transit Expansion Study (RTES). Over the next 10 years, $250 M has been allocated

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to provide assistance to Ontario Municipalities for transit projects.

The Ministry has a history of partnership with the City of Ottawa relating to transit facilities on Highway 417, including provision of Reserved Bus Lanes on the shoulders of the freeway from Moodie Drive to Eagleson Road, transit priority measures at off-ramps (e.g. Moodie Drive), accommodating the West Transitway within the freeway corridor, and making available land for the construction of the Park and Ride facility at Eagleson Road.Transportation demand forecasts undertaken for the study indicate that, even allowing for a substantial increase in transit usage as envisioned in the draft Ottawa Official Plan (OP), demands on the Queensway will continue to grow. It is therefore necessary to examine alternatives for the Queensway as well as for transit infrastructure improvements. It is expected that transit infrastructure improvements will be required to allow transit usage targets to be achieved.

The transportation demand forecasts were developed from population and employment forecasts being undertaken in the context of the City's current OP review. These forecasts also take into account the effect of planned improvements currently in Ottawa's OP.

Comments related to a specific ramp

Your concern regarding the closure of the ___ ramp and its effects on the surrounding community has been documented and will be considered in the assessment of the alternatives for this area. The broad range of options which have been identified to-date, in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment process, will be reviewed and evaluated in detail prior to any decisions being made. The evaluation criteria will consider not only transportation factors, but also natural environment factors, social and cultural environment factors, and impacts to land use and properties.

Widening the Queensway will lead to more cars "short-cutting" through side streets, thereby creating greater traffic congestion and safety issues.

Your concern regarding the ___ and its effects on the surrounding community has been documented and will be considered in the assessment of the alternatives for this area. The broad range of options which have been identified to-date, in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment process, will be reviewed and evaluated in detail prior to any decisions being made. The evaluation criteria will consider not only transportation factors, but also natural environment factors, social and



cultural environment factors, and impacts to land use and properties.


A website has been created for the project and is now operational. All of the display materials and project specific reference documents presented at PIC #1 will be available on the website. The website can be accessed at www.mto.gov.on.ca under the "Highway Management" heading.


Your concern about potential impacts to ___ has been documented and will be considered in the assessment of the alternatives for this area. The broad range of options which have been identified to-date, in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment process, will be reviewed and evaluated in detail prior to any decisions being made. The evaluation criteria will consider not only transportation factors, but also natural environment factors, social and cultural environment factors, and impacts to land use and properties. To view more information about this project, please visit the project website located at www.mto.gov.on.ca under the "Highway Management" heading.

Concerned about property impacts, including devaluation and expropriation

Your concern regarding the potential impact of the alternatives under consideration on your property value has been documented. An unfortunate reality of the planning process is that uncertainty is created until such time as the preferred alternative is identified. In order to minimize this uncertainty, we will endeavor to move this project ahead as quickly as possible.


Your concern about potential impacts to neighbourhoods has been documented and will be considered in the assessment of the alternatives for this area. The broad range of options which have been identified to-date, in accordance with the requirements of the EA process, will be reviewed and evaluated in detail prior to any decisions being made. The evaluation criteria will consider not only transportation factors, but also natural environment factors, social and cultural environment factors, and impacts to land use and



properties.


Your concerns regarding vibration impacts have been documented.

Concerns regarding an overall increase in air pollution.

Your concerns regarding existing air pollution levels and potential increases associated with the alternatives under consideration have been documented and will be considered in the assessment of the alternatives. The broad range of options which have been identified to-date, in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment process, will be reviewed and evaluated in detail prior to any decisions being made. The evaluation criteria will consider not only transportation factors, but also natural environment factors, social and cultural environment factors, and impacts to land use and properties.

An air quality analysis will be undertaken as part of the Preliminary Design and Environmental Assessment Study, using state of the art methods, including widely accepted computer modelling techniques. This work is to be carried out prior to the second round of public consultation. Air Quality will be assessed against applicable federal and provincial guidelines (Ambient Air Quality Criteria). These guidelines take known health effects into consideration, based on the scientific evidence currently available.


Your concerns regarding existing noise levels and potential noise impacts associated with the alternatives under consideration have been documented and will be considered in the assessment of the alternatives. The broad range of options which have been identified to-date, in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment process, will be reviewed and evaluated in detail prior to any decisions being made. The evaluation criteria will consider not only transportation factors, but also natural environment factors, social and cultural environment factors, and impacts to land use and properties.




The regional and global impacts of any single project on greenhouse gas levels are not likely to be major. This is not to say that the Province does not consider regional and global impacts. The Province, under the leadership of the Ministry of the Environment, reviews the regional and global impacts of all sectors of the economy, including transportation as a whole and makes appropriate policy decisions. Such decisions have included the implementation of the DriveClean Program. The Province will do its share of reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions, in transportation and other sectors, through broader measures that affect the transportation sector at large.


Pedestrian and cycling criteria have been included in the long list of evaluation criteria. The cycling criterion will assess the compatibility of an alternative with cycling infrastructure at crossing road ramp intersections while the pedestrian criterion will assess the accommodation of pedestrians at crossing road ramp intersections. These considerations will be taken into account during the preliminary design of the recommended alternative.


Pedestrian and cycling criteria have been included in the long list of evaluation criteria. The cycling criterion will assess the compatibility of an alternative with cycling infrastructure at crossing road ramp intersections while the pedestrian criterion will assess the accommodation of pedestrians at crossing road ramp intersections. These considerations will be taken into account during the preliminary design of the recommended alternative.

Questions as to "when will the widening begin?" and "how long will it take to complete the widening?"

The Preliminary Design Study and Environmental Assessment, which will identify a recommended design for Highway 417 from Highway 416 to Anderson Road, is scheduled to be completed in 2004. The timing for construction of the recommended design depends in large part on the



outcome of this study, and therefore, is unknown at the present time.


Your concern about potential impacts to ___ has been documented and will be considered in the assessment of alternatives for this area. The broad range of options which have been identified to-date, in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment process, will be reviewed and evaluated in detail prior to any decisions being made. The evaluation criteria will consider not only transportation factors, but also natural environment factors, social and cultural environment factors, and impacts to land use and properties.








An air quality analysis will be undertaken as part of the Preliminary Design and Environmental Assessment Study, using state of the art methods, including widely accepted computer modelling techniques. This work is to be carried out prior to the second round of public consultation. Air quality will be assessed against applicable federal and provincial guidelines (Ambient Air Quality Criteria). These guidelines take known health effects into consideration, based on the scientific evidence currently available.

Request to be placed on the mailing list for the study

As requested, your name has been added to the mailing list for the project.

Request for particular information presented at the PIC

The information you have requested is available on a project-specific website.

Concerns regarding the lack of a PIC in an area closer to the centre core

Your concern regarding the location of the Public Involvement Centres (PIC's) has been documented.


Your concern regarding the amount of material to be reviewed during the Public Involvement Centre (PIC) has been documented. A website has been created for the project and is now operational. All of the display materials and project specific reference documents presented at PIC #1 will be available on the website. The website can be accessed at www.mto.gov.on.ca under the "Highway Management" heading. For future PIC's, the presentation material will be available on line for your review.

There should be an increase in TDM alternatives including adding car pool lots, reducing the speed limit on the Queensway and adding HOV lanes.

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures reflect the use of trip reduction techniques or other mechanisms that relocate trips to non-peak period times. Specific measures include the provisions of car-pooling lots, ramp metering and Advance Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) to manage travel demands in the Queensway corridor. This alternative is not



considered a stand-alone solution but will be carried forward for consideration in combination with all other alternatives.

Strategic widening to provide High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes throughout the corridor has been carried forward for further consideration as an alternative to increase person throughput. This alternative would involve the conversion of the existing median lane in each direction where eight lanes currently exist, and the addition of though lanes to accommodate high occupancy vehicles for the remaining sections.


We recognize that ongoing co-ordination with the City is vital to the success of the study. In order to facilitate this co-ordination, the City of Ottawa is part of our Municipal Technical Advisory Committee. In 2002, the City provided updated population and employment information to be used for traffic demand forecasting. The forecasting was done using the City's EMME/2 model (TRANS), and recognized the Transportation Master Plan transit targets being considered (i.e. 20%). We are currently in the process of updating the traffic analysis to address the City's revised transit target of 30%.

Request for more/larger sound barriers on the Queensway

Your concern regarding ___ has been documented. Mitigation measures, including the potential need for additional noise attenuation measures, will be assessed for the Technically Preferred Alternative, which will be selected later in the design process.

Support for the need to increase lanes on the Queensway

Your support for the widening of Highway 417 and operational improvements under consideration has been documented.

Request to be placed on the Public Advisory Committee

As requested, we have added your name to the Public Advisory Committee to represent the _____ Community Association.



or

Your request to be placed on the Public Advisory Committee for this Study has been documented, and we will provide further correspondence in the near future.

Inquired about a Ring Road

The traffic forecasting and modelling undertaken to date indicates that a ring road would divert a small amount of traffic from the Queensway, although not enough to significantly reduce existing or anticipated congestion. However, a ring road is worthy of consideration for other reasons, for example, improving the reliability of inter-regional movement of goods. Therefore, the ministry has recently initiated a Needs Study for a ring road.

Concerns regarding the EA Process

At this stage only alternatives have been determined, not recommendations. The alternatives have not yet been developed or analysed to the point where the impacts of any of the alternatives under consideration could be determined. The study has not yet progressed to the point where recommendations or proposals for specific modifications have been made.

A broad range of options has been identified, in accordance with the Environmental Assessment process. These alternatives, and others that may arise during the course of the study, will be reviewed and evaluated in detail prior to any decisions being made. Options currently under review include: "do nothing", widening in specific locations, provision of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, modifications to ramps, Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) and others.

Has anyone considered making the Queensway a "tolled" roadway?

The Ministry is not currently considering converting Highway 417 to a toll road.













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