LETTER

Open Letter to Greg Fergus, MP: better than a tram-line

 

After attending the information session held by MP Fergus, September 19 at Moore Farm, I have a few remarks for the STO/MTQ/Mr Fergus, and others involved in the file.

Mr. Fergus claims the federal government has $120 billion for infrastructure and claims that, if we don't get in line, it will go somewhere else. He also claims we (must) look to the future for solutions. Great, but we must also learn from our mistakes.

Transport is a regional issue in the National Capital Region. Transport is the number one expense for households and infrastructure spending.

How do we look at public transport, commuter transit, and commercial truck traffic in an era where so much government is running the show?  The NCC, both cities, the MRC's, and both federal and provincial governments often meet behind closed doors; even with public input, they rarely make decisions based on regional needs. Example: the NCC Interprovincial Bridge study, which accomplished little, at a cost of $7 million.

In the 1970's, the MTQ began expropriating land in Aylmer for the "Deschenes Autoroute" -- to join the 50 to the 5 and 417 in Ottawa’s west end. The MTQ continues to hold this corridor, but with no plans made public. With a slight modification westwards at Pink Road in the trajectory of this corridor, we can possibly solve the issues affecting everyone in the region.

Adding a rail link to this corridor would be simple, as it is 90 metres wide at its narrowest and was conceived for a 4-6 lane highway. Mr Fergus, I implore you to take a good look at this corridor before you force a rail line down the historic Main Street of Aylmer, through Val Tetreault, and into a congested core.

Duplicating efforts along the same old routes will only add to the congestion. A five-minute look at the region on Google Maps is all it would take.

By turning the Deschenes corridor to the west at Pink, and crossing the river between Queen's Park and Terry Fox, we can manage.  Here mass transit will work, we get trucks out of the core, and change the direction of the flow of rush-hour traffic, alleviating stress on our infrastructure.  A recent STO study indicates that traffic will increase by 50% in the next ten years – a simple tram line along an impossible route (too narrow) will NOT solve anything and will only add to congestion on both sides of the river.

A western crossing joining the 50 near Montee Paiement through the fringes of the Gatineau Park and over to Riddell in Kanata North will link all major highways in the region.

You have told us we have the money, Mr Fergus. Why can't we spend it creating a real mass transit system and solving other traffic concerns, before the corridor is developed? Now is the time to reserve this corridor and act on our pressing needs!

Lee Bourdon
Aylmer

NOTE: City council will meet in Aylmer, October 18, 115 rue Principale, 7 pm – the perfect time to bring these issues to them, face-to-face.  Don’t miss this meeting.