By Ana-Maria Tarres
A year ago there was chatter of a Downtown Truck Tunnel, but now that the dust has settled, it seems that this may have been just a ploy in order to pacify those in Lowertown that were extremely disappointed by the failure of finally getting an eastern bridge built. In 2013, in response to fierce opposition from the eastern part of the riding, our Provincial representative, Madeleine Meilleur, successfully lobbied against the proposal to build the “Kettle Island” bridge.
Mme Meillieur’s replacement at Queen’s park, Nathalie Des Rosiers, has stated publicly that the Liberals have earmarked funds for the Tunnel’s Environmental Assessment and intend to cover part of the building cost. However, not a penny will be spent on this project until the city and the federal government agree to pay their share of the study.
Our Federal representative, Mona Fortier, has not secured funding for the Environmental Assessment needed for the Truck Tunnel nor has she presented any other solution. She told an informal community gathering that the federal priorities for infrastructure are for public transit and that getting federal money for this project is highly unlikely.
Stop-gap measures
The City of Ottawa is presently the only government body doing anything to alleviate the harsh impact from the 900,000 heavy trucks that travel on KEA each year. Councillor Fleury and City staff have met with community representatives to discuss temporary and permanent traffic calming measures. The temporary measures put in place so far include a radar speed board and flex posts between the right and middle lanes.
More permanent measures – such as a permanent separator between the right and middle lanes, as well as restricting heavy trucks to the left lane could be implemented as early as next year if Council decides to make King Edward Avenue (KEA) a priority. When it comes to priorities, it appears that these are chosen by City staff but Council can influence them. At this point, staff have indicated they will advise Council to make KEA a priority.
While residents welcome and look forward to the implementation of these traffic calming measures, the fact remains that KEA will continue to act as an extension of a major highway instead of a vibrant and safe community destination for residents that it once was.