LETTER

Open Letter to Councillor Duggan on infrastructure

 

In response to Councillor Mike Duggan’s comments in Nick Seebruch’s  article, February 17, my comments:

Taxpayers are funding a $125 billion infrastructure program country-wide, and Mike Duggan’s big idea is putting STO buses on Allumettières?  Is that the level of innovation we can expect for our billions?   As a resident and business person who depends on mobility, I urge Mr. Duggan to re-think his proposals.

For over 40 years, Aylmer has had on its map an extension to Highway 50, the “Deschenes Corridor”. A bridge over the river was part of the plan and Allumettières was conceived with the expectation of the completion of the Deschenes corridor; therefore, it wasn't conceived as a highway, more a boulevard.

As the population of the western half of the region continues to explode on both sides of the River, the demand is for a western bridge.

 

What I can foresee as the permanent fix, will not only bring much needed flow to the entire regions' commutes, but would also draw tourists and investment into Aylmer.

So, as I have written many times, I ask Mr. Duggan to consider a continuation of Highway 50, from the Montée Paiement area, over the Park and down into Aylmer just west of Vanier.  That route would then head west along Pink, to cross the River at Terry Fox, over to Riddell Drive in Kanata.  It could join the 417 at March and the 416 at Fallowfield.  This could be an integral part of a region-wide ring road, moving east-west south of the airport, and joining the 417 in the East.

With the funding on the table I see no better time for this proposition. I await Mr Duggan’s response as to why he would not support such a move.

Lee Bourdon
Aylmer