Feds barging ahead with $1m sixth-crossing site assessment

The federal government will use barges to drill holes into the bottom of the Ottawa River in the coming months to assess three possible sites for a new inter-provincial bridge, including at Kettle Island. 

According to a notice from the National Capital Commission (NCC), Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) will conduct a geotechnical field study on the river to assess if any of three proposed sites – Kettle Island, Lower Duck, and McLaurin Bay – may be appropriate to support the structure of an additional bridge. 

The work by Golder and Associates, Ltd., will involve boring 21 holes deep into the riverbed and retrieving core samples of the bedrock. It is planned to commence this autumn and take an estimated six months to complete. According to the notice, the work carries an estimated cost of $967,414. 

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The Liberal government is pushing ahead with expensive site work despite not yet having gathered any current origin-destination data which could indicate that a new crossing would be better suited elsewhere – or that the best solution may not involve a bridge at all. 

At this stage the government is not re-evaluating other potential corridors. 

According to PSPC, the government will conduct an origin-destination survey this autumn to examine current travel patterns. It will conduct a commercial vehicle movement study at a yet-to-be-determined date. 

PSPC spokesperson Michèle LaRose told the Chronicle: “PSPC and the NCC will use the results of these studies, along with the Long-Term Integrated Interprovincial Crossing Plan, to assess the necessity and potential options for an additional National Capital Region crossing.” 

Michael Trudeau is chair of the Manor Park Community Association interprovincial crossings committee.