Letter to the Ministry of the Environment

James O’Mara, Director
Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch
Ministry of the Environment
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A
Toronto, ON, M4V 1L5
Attn: Michael Harrison, Special Project Officer
Phone (416) 314-8221 or 1-800-461-6290
Fax: (416) 314-8452

Re: Review under EAA for Light Rail Transit North-South Corridor, Train Yard, Ottawa, ON

Jan 30, 2006

Dear Mr Harrison,

I am writing today to further consider the removal the “Lester” site as one of three acceptable sites for a Light Rail Maintenance yard to be erected to serve the North-South bound extension to Ottawa’s light rail system.

This valuable scenic route, which is also the Ceremonial Route taken by all manner of foreign dignitaries upon arrival in Ottawa, is currently zoned Institutional Government (IG). The provisions under IG zoning allow for passive use (ie. Agriculture, horticulture, silviculture, passive recreational use, etc). the City indicates that a zoning change would be necessary in the EA, what right do they have to destroy a significant greenspace for the purpose of constructing a new brownfield, given one of the alternate sites is a reusable brownfield. To do so, violates the City’s Official Plan which dictates this area as a “scenic entry route” and also a “major recreational pathway”. As such it is constantly used by local families, including children (winter and summer) for recreational activities. Furthermore, many local scouting groups leverage the easily accessible biodiversity of the area for their activities throughout the year.

In the City’s Official Plan, Section 2.3.1 Transportation, Policy 35 states (in part) “it is recognized that the parkway network in the city, primarily developed by the NCC, contributes greatly to the distinct open space character of Ottawa.” Policy 36 states “In recognition of the importance of preserving and enhancing the visual and aesthetic appeal of the main scenic and entry routes in Ottawa, the City will require additional development controls for lands along these routes, as identified in schedules I and J, and detailed in section 4.6.4.” According to the EA and City planners, this direction is to be discounted, why?

There are most certainly other stakeholders, beyond the National Capital Commission, that need to be consulted on this activity. It has become evident, for example, that the current planning for the project undermines the train testing facility owned by the National Research Council. The city plans to abandon the freight rail connection from Walkley yard to the NRC Institute for Surface Transportation at Uplands. This could cause shutdown or impose massive costs on a world-class research facility which is a recognized leader in analysis and testing of rail vehicles and interaction between rail vehicles and their tracks. While I am liaising with them to inform them of what is transpiring, all levels of government have a responsibility to ensure that this world class facility remains accessible.

The communities of Emerald Woods, Emerald Gate and others implore the Ministry of Environment remove the Lester site as an alternative for the Maintenance yard for the North-South Corridor Light Rail Transit Project.

Regards,
Peter J. Hillier, CD
2727 Wyldewood St.