by Patricia Lonergan
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Article online since March 19th 2010, 9:24
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Beacon Hill North residents will get a chance to ask about the fabled corridor 6.5 that could see traffic passing through Canotek Park.

On Monday, March 22 consultants from the interprovincial bridge crossing study will meet with residents and present information about the corridors under consideration during Phase 2A of the environmental assessment. The corridors on the list are option 5 at Kettle Island, option 6 at Lower Duck and option 7 at the Gatineau executive airport.

Rumours, however, have been circulating that there’s a fourth option, anecdotally known as option 6.5, or the Canotek corridor, situated between Kettle Island and Lower Duck.

While the Beacon Hill North Community Association (BHNCA) originally supported the Kettle Island crossing, it is prepared to listen to other options, BHNCA president Tim Tierney indicated. But “Canotek is a show stopper,” he continued, adding the rumoured location is too close to residential homes.

If there is an option 6.5, Tierney said, the association wants to remove it from talks.

With a public meeting on the horizon, residents will be able to seek clarification and discover if new corridors have, in fact, been floated and whether they’ll become part of the environmental assessment.

The consultation will also give residents an opportunity to learn more about the three options that are definitely on the table.

A bridge that ultimately increases the traffic flow on Montreal or Ogilvie roads is of concern to the community, Tierney said. While the bridge will connect to the highway, the recent transit strike demonstrated what happens when the 174 and Queensway back-up. During that time traffic increased on area streets as drivers opted to use Montreal Road instead of crawling along the highway.

“We need answers,” Tierney said of the proposed corridors.

The community association president is encouraging residents in the area to attend the meeting, which will start with a presentation, break out into groups and then end with a question and answer session.

Unfortunately, he noted, the meeting starts at 5 p.m. because that’s when the hall was available within the times allotted by consultants. The meeting will continue through until at least 7 p.m., but Tierney said he’s requesting a second consultation because he doesn’t feel it’s fair to rush the meeting. Despite the timing, Tierney indicated he’s hoping for a good turnout, and will be knocking on doors over the weekend to remind residents of the upcoming community consultation.

A decision on the location will not be made during this phase of the study. That decision will be made during Phase 2B, which will also include a consultation process.

The Beacon Hill North community consultation about the interprovincial bridge will take place Monday, March 22 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Beacon Hill North Community Centre, 2132 Radford Cres., behind Annunciation of the Lord church.