Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Environmental Assessment and why is it required for this project?
An environmental assessment (EA) is a study that is undertaken to determine the relevance of a proposed solution to a problem, whether it is needed or not, and ultimately to develop a preliminary design of the solution developed throughout the study.
As required by the Municipal Engineering Association (MEA) of Ontario, municipalities must undertake an environmental assessment for projects which potentially impact the environment such as this pathway project (this includes natural, social, cultural, land use, and economic environments). This specifically includes:
- collection of existing environmental inventories
- determining the need for the project
- design of the recommended plan of the proposed solution
- engagement of the public in order to get input on the project
- producing an Environmental Study Report (ESR)
The study is reviewed by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and if accepted, the City could proceed with the detail design and construction of the project.
What is the Hunt Club Community to Southeast Transitway Pathway Connection project?
This EA is being undertaken to determine the most appropriate pathway alignment to connect the residential lands west of the Airport Parkway with the Southeast Transitway. This involves looking at options that address pedestrian crossing of the Airport Parkway, integration with the Sawmill Creek Constructed Wetlands, and a connection to the Southeast Transitway (i.e. South Keys Station and/or Greenboro Station).
The EA will examine a number of feasible alternatives to solve the problem and will recommend the preferred solution from a technical perspective and the corresponding design.
Why do we need a pathway connection?
In June 2008, City Council’s Transit Committee approved the statement of work for this EA to address community and staff concerns related to pedestrians crossing the Airport Parkway. As part of this EA, a needs assessment was conducted at the outset which outlined not only the safety concerns already voiced by the community, but also collision information, travel demand, and future City cycling / pedestrian / transit policy and plans with regard to the study area.
It was determined by the study team that this pathway connection project is warranted.
Who is conducting the Study?
The City of Ottawa is the proponent of this study. An Agency Consultation Group (ACG), made up of organizations such as the National Capital Commission, Airport Authority as well as many different disciplines from within the City (e.g. pedestrian and cycling, natural environment, parks and recreation, land use planning, etc.), will guide the project technically. Public input is also sought, for example, through Open Houses held at key stages in the study. To assist the City with the day-to-day management and technical aspects of the study, GENIVAR was retained as the project consultant.
Will the study look at more than one crossing?
This EA is considering a number of alternatives spanning the length of the study area. Each alternative will be evaluated against one another and ultimately a single corridor will be recommended to be implemented in the near term horizon. Additional pedestrian links in the study area will be considered when warranted.
What about pathway connections to the north and south connecting to the storm pond pathways?
As a separate effort from this EA, the City is currently looking at two additional pathway connections (north and south of the Study Area). Options to extend a pathway from Hunt Club Road to the Sawmill Creek Constructed Wetland (within this EA’s study area) as well as options to connect Walkley Road with the SCCW lands are currently being assessed by the Cycling Facilities group.
Will the pathway be lighted?
Yes, the pathway will be lighted once implemented. As part of the design exercise, various elements will be included which address aesthetical and crime prevention concerns. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) features will be included in the design and will include strategic lighting.
Will the pathway be accessible for the disabled?
This project will be designed to ensure that disabled individuals will be able to use the facility. Both the standards outlined by Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and City of Ottawa Accessibility Design Guidelines will be incorporated into the design of this project.
People are concerned with crime / safety considerations in any proposed plan. How will the City make this pathway safe?
The design will include features which foster Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). This includes features such as natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement, and maintenance. For additional information, please refer to www.cptedontario.ca.
Will this create more parking demand along Plante Drive?
It is not anticipated that this project will induce unwarranted parking along Plante Drive. This project supports City policies to encourage non-automobile travel (i.e. walking, cycling, and transit) by bringing people closer to transit and retail areas east of the study area. It also supports long-term pedestrian / cycling connectivity which will ultimately serve to encourage individuals to choose other modes of travel.
Is the pathway going to have a bridge, tunnel, or at-grade crossing of the Airport Parkway?
An evaluation will be undertaken to determine the best course of action, from a technical perspective, as to the type of pathway connection. This includes consideration of items such as CPTED, safety, sub-surface conditions, potential impact to existing services, land use / Rail corridor impacts, and impact on vehicular traffic along the Airport Parkway.
What will the bridge look like?
The configuration and preliminary design of the crossing will be determined as part of this EA and will be completed in late fall / early winter of this year. While the physical / aesthetical nature of the Airport Parkway crossing component of the pathway alignment is yet to be determined, the design will be required to meet City standards for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), safety, vertical clearance, accessibility, and policies outlined in the Ottawa Cycling and Pedestrian Plans. In addition, the National Capital Commission will be involved in the design review process as this route is designated as a scenic entry route.
Why did the City close the tunnel under the O-Train tracks, and will it be reopened?
City staff undertakes routine inspections of structural facilities all across the city to determine their condition and ability to maintain appropriate levels of service and safety of users. In the case of the O-Train underpass structure located in the vicinity of South Keys Station; staff has determined that the structure presents a potential hazard to pedestrians travelling underneath.
Should the preferred alignment utilize this corridor, repair/reconstruction of this structure will be explored.
Will the alignment impact property along Plante Drive?
The alignment of the new pathway will be constructed on City property.
How much will this project cost?
This has not been determined yet, but will be included within the EA study. A preliminary cost estimate of the project will be undertaken following the completion of the Recommended Plan. The City will be able to use this estimate for budget planning.
The safety of people crossing today is of concern - when will this project be built?
Once the EA is completed (anticipated to be by the end of 2009) and the study has been posted for the 30-day public review, the project can be carried forward by Council for budget approval. If so received then detailed design would occur followed by tendering for construction.
