Montreal-Blair Road Transit Priority Corridor (St. Laurent Boulevard to Blair Station) Environmental Assessment Study – Statement of Work

Report to Rapport au:

Transportation Committee Comité des transports 2 May 2018 / 2 mai 2018

Submitted on April 17, 2018 Soumis le 17 avril 2018

Submitted by Soumis par: John Manconi, General Manager / Directeur général, Transportation Services Department / Direction générale des transports

Contact Person Personne ressource: Vivi Chi, Director / Directeur, Transportation Planning / Planification des transports, Transportation Services Department / Direction générale des transports (613) 580-2424, 21877, Vivi.Chi@ottawa.ca

Ward: BEACON HILL - CYRVILLE (11) File Number: ACS2018-TSD-PLN-0005 AND RIDEAU-ROCKCLIFFE (13) SUBJECT: Montreal-Blair Road Transit Priority Corridor (St. Laurent Boulevard to Blair Station) Environmental Assessment Study – Statement of Work

OBJET: Étude d'évaluation environnementale du couloir prioritaire de transport en commun sur le chemin de Montréal et le chemin Blair (du boul. St-Laurent à la station Blair) – Énoncé de travail

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

That the Transportation Committee approve the Statement of Work for the Montreal-Blair Road Transit Priority Corridor (St. Laurent Boulevard to Blair Station) Environmental Assessment Study, as outlined in this report and detailed in Document 1. 2

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité des transports approuve l’énoncé de travail de l’étude d’évaluation environnementale du couloir prioritaire de transport en commun sur le chemin de Montréal et le chemin Blair (du boul. St-Laurent à la station Blair), comme présenté dans le présent rapport et expliqué dans le Document 1.

BACKGROUND

The City's Official Plan (OP) emphasizes urban intensification and increased mixed-use development centred around transit corridors as one of the means to manage future travel demand and minimize the use of single occupancy vehicles during peak travel periods.

The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) identifies a number of modifications to road and transit infrastructure to accommodate future travel demand on the City’s transportation infrastructure and to meet modal share objectives. Transit priority corridors complement the rapid transit network by providing improved city-wide transit access to major employment, commercial, and institutional land uses. Montreal Road and Blair Road are identified in the TMP as part of the 2031 Affordable Rapid Transit and Transit Priority Network shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: TMP Rapid Transit and Transit Priority Corridors

A section of Montreal Road’s transit priority measures was already assessed through the 2017 Montreal Road Transportation Planning and Functional Design Study (North 3

River Road to St. Laurent Boulevard). This new study will examine the section of Montreal Road from St. Laurent Boulevard to Blair Road, and along Blair Road south to Blair Station.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) Study will be completed in accordance with the Transit Project Environmental Assessment Process (Ont. Reg. 231/08).

The EA Study will:

 Investigate options to improve transit service efficiency and travel environment for active and other modes of transportation along the corridor;

 Establish right-of-way requirements;

 Allow the City to protect land for the project; and,

 Allow the project to proceed to design and construction.

Since the corridor is adjacent to federal lands (National Capital Commission (NCC), National Research Council Canada (NRCC), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)), the project may also need to comply with requirements from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) if federal land is affected. If that is the case, the EA processes will be co-ordinated to avoid duplication of effort.

This Statement of Work (SoW) report outlines the scope, methodology, and deliverables of the EA Study. Details of the SoW are outlined in Document 1.

DISCUSSION

The Montreal-Blair Road Transit Priority Corridor (Figure 2) is approximately 4.4 km in length between St. Laurent Boulevard and Blair Station. The section along Montreal Road is designated as an Arterial Mainstreet in the City’s Official Plan. Arterial Mainstreets are prime locations that present opportunities to intensify and enhance development in a manner that creates attractive pedestrian environments, contributes to vibrant new neighbourhoods, and creates transit-friendly places. Blair Road (Montreal Road to Blair Station) is a north-south urban arterial.

Figure 2: Study Corridor

After the opening of the O-Train Confederation Line, Blair Station will play a critical role as a high volume transfer station. The EA Study will investigate options to provide an efficient and reliable transit service connection between the Montreal-Blair Road corridor and Blair Station. This will complement the on-going planned changes at Blair Station as part of O-Train Confederation Line project.

Key tasks for the EA Study include the following:

 Confirmation of future transportation demand in the study area including transit service and ridership;

 Development of options to address future demand for transit and other modes;

 Application of the Complete Streets framework and multi-modal level of service analysis within the context of existing and future land use;

 Assessment of walking and cycling infrastructure requirements and connections;

 Assessment and evaluation of environmental implications;

o Geotechnical conditions;

o Wetlands, natural environmental areas and features;

o Stormwater management and hydrology; 5

o Noise, Vibration and Air Quality impacts; and,

o Adjacent land uses and communities (existing and future).

 Undertaking of climate change adaptation and mitigation assessment and greenhouse gas emission analysis;

 Development of mitigation measures;

 Development of a Recommended Plan for the corridor (including functional design);

 Identification of capital costs for implementation;

 Consultation with federal agencies and departments, community groups, and stakeholders; and,

 Documentation.

The EA Study is expected to be completed in approximately 24 months.

RURAL IMPLICATIONS

This report does not have a direct impact on the rural area of the city, as the study area is located within the urban boundary.

CONSULTATION

Consultation will include meetings with key stakeholders through the Agency Consultation Group, Public Consultation Group, and Business Consultation Group. Stakeholders include Indigenous People, federal government agencies and Crown corporations such as NCC, NRCC, CSIS, CSEC and CMHC, City’s Advisory Committees as appropriate, affected landowners, representatives of business groups and Community Associations. Consultation with the general public will occur primarily through Open Houses. A dedicated project web page will also be set up to share study information.

COMMENTS BY THE WARD COUNCILLOR(S)

Comments from Councillor Tierney (Ward 11)

The Councillor is in concurrence with the report and does not have any specific comments to add to it at this time.

Comments from Councillor Nussbaum (Ward 13)

Councillor Nussbaum is aware of this report.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE(S) COMMENTS

The City’s Advisory Committees will be engaged as part of consultation process. Typically, representatives of the Advisory Committees will be invited to participate in the study’s Public Consultation Group.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no legal impediments to approving the recommendation in this report.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There is no risk involved in approving the recommendations of this report.

ASSET MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The recommendations in this report are consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Asset Management (CAM) Program (City of Ottawa Comprehensive Asset Management Program) objectives. Undertaking the recommend studies and environmental assessments will provide the necessary information for the City to fulfill its obligation to deliver quality services to the community in a way that balances service levels, risk, and affordability.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Funding for this EA study recommended by this report is available in capital project account 908554 2017 Rapid Transit EA Studies.

ACCESSIBILITY IMPACTS

There are no accessibility implications in this report. As part of the development of functional design, the City’s Accessibility Design Standards will be applied.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

The EA Study will examine and evaluate the project’s effects on the social, cultural, physical, and natural environments within the study area. Appropriate mitigation measures will be developed and post mitigation environmental impacts will be determined. 7

TERM OF COUNCIL PRIORITIES

The recommendation contained herein aims to support the following Strategic Objectives adopted by Council:

Transportation and Mobility

 TM2 - Provide and promote infrastructure to support safe mobility choices;

 TM3 - Integrate the rapid transit and transit priority network into the community;

 TM4 - Improve safety for all road users; and,

 TM5 - Ensure reliable, safe, accessible and affordable transit services.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Document 1 – Montreal-Blair Road Transit Priority Corridor (St. Laurent Boulevard to Blair Station) Environmental Assessment Study – Statement of Work

DISPOSITION

Following the Transportation Committee’s approval of the Statement of Work, the Transportation Services Department will initiate the process to retain a consulting firm to assist the City with this Environmental Assessment Study. A call for proposal will be undertaken with the assistance of Supply Services. Once the consultant has been selected, the EA Study will proceed as described in Document 1.

Document 1

Montreal-Blair Road Transit Priority Corridor Environmental Assessment Study – Statement of Work

1.0 Introduction

The City of Ottawa is the proponent of an Environmental Assessment (EA) Study in accordance with the Transit Project Environmental Assessment Process (Ont. Reg. 231/08) for the Montreal-Blair Road Transit Priority Corridor (St. Laurent Boulevard to Blair Station). The study corridor is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Study Corridor

2.0 Planning Context

The TMP identifies the following sections of Montreal Road and Blair Road as part of the 2031 Affordable Rapid Transit and Transit Priority Network:

 Montreal Road: North River Road to St. Laurent Boulevard; 9

 Montreal Road: St. Laurent Boulevard to Blair Road; and,

 Blair Road: Montreal Road to Blair Station.

These roadways are also identified in the TMP as a cycling spine.

In 2017, the City completed the Montreal Road Transportation Planning and Functional Design Study (North River Road and St. Laurent Boulevard), which recommended a road corridor design that includes both transit priority and cycling infrastructure.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) Study is required for the Montreal-Blair Road Transit Priority Corridor (St. Laurent Boulevard to Blair Station) to fulfil Municipal Class EA requirements before the project proceeds for implementation. This project is approximately 4.4 km in length. The TMP describes this project as requiring road widening to provide exclusive bus lanes along the corridor. Engagement with property owners early and frequently will be required during the course of the study.

Land Use along the corridor is designated in the Official Plan (OP) as General Urban Area, Urban Employment Area, Major Open Space, and Mixed Use Centre. It includes commercial, retail, low to high-density residential, government offices, a retirement residence, and shopping centres.

The section of Montreal Road within the study area (St. Laurent Boulevard to Blair Road) is identified in the OP as an Arterial Mainstreet. It has an urban section with two through lanes in each direction, an intermittent two-way-left-turn lane in the median, and auxiliary left and right turn lanes at major intersections. Except for the 670 m long section near Blair Road, on-road bicycle lanes exist in both directions. Concrete sidewalks exist on both sides of the street.

As per the OP, Arterial Mainstreets are prime locations that present opportunities to intensify and enhance development in a manner that creates attractive pedestrian environments, contributes to vibrant new neighbourhoods, and creates transit-friendly places.

Blair Road within the study area (Montreal Road to OR 174 West-bound Off-ramp) is an arterial road, which has two distinct sections:

 Montreal Road to Ogilvie Road: With the exception of a 140 m section north of Ogilvie Road where the roadway has two southbound lanes, this section generally has one lane in each direction with auxiliary turn lanes at major intersections. The easterly portion of the roadway has an urban section, with an on-road bicycle lane 10

and asphalt sidewalk. The westerly portion has a rural cross-section with a paved shoulder for bicycles. This section is bordered on the east by single unit residential houses. The west section is designated in the OP as an Urban Employment Area, which houses federal government offices of National Research Council Canada (NRCC), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), and Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC).

 Ogilvie Road to OR 174 West-bound Off-ramp has an urban cross-section with a sidewalk on either side of roadway. It generally has three southbound lanes for general traffic. The number of lanes in the northbound direction varies between one and two. The land use along this section of Blair Road includes commercial, retail, and shopping centers. Transit buses connect to Blair Station through the westerly approach of Blair- OR 174 West-bound Off-ramp intersection.

In 2015, a Community Development Plan (CDP) Study was completed for the former Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Rockcliffe, which is located north of Montreal Road between the Aviation Parkway and the NRCC Campus. This 131 hectare site is proposed to be redeveloped to create a mixed-use community for approximately 9,800 residents and provide space for employment uses for approximately 2,600 permanent jobs. The long-term development period to full buildout is estimated to be 15-20 years. A reliable transit service along the Montreal-Blair Road Transit Priority Corridor will encourage transit usage and help achieve the TMP’s modal share targets.

Existing bus service along the corridor operates in mixed traffic (Figure 2). OC Transpo local route # 12 travels along Montreal Road and provides service between Downtown and Blair Station. Route #s 7, 17, 19, 27 and 129 also serve some sections of Montreal Road within the project limits. Blair Road corridor is partially served by local route # 23, which operates during certain times of the day. The EA Study will consider planned changes to transit bus service in the study area after the opening of the O-Train Confederation Line. 11

Figure 2: OC Transpo routes in the study area

3.0 Project Scope and Major Tasks

3.1 Study Area

Figure 1 illustrates the general study area that extends from Wateridge Village (north of Montreal Road) to OR 174 in the south. Land use along the corridor includes General Urban Area, Urban Employment Area, Major Open Space, and Mixed Used Centre.

The land use along Montreal Road includes commercial, retail, low to high-density residential, a retirement residence, and green space. Notre-Dame Cemetery is located at the north-west corner of St. Laurent Boulevard-Montreal Road intersection.

Blair Road between Montreal Road and Ogilvie Road is bordered on the east side by single unit residential homes. However, on the west side the area is designated in the OP as Urban Employment Area, which houses government offices of NRCC, CSIS, and CSEC. The section south of Ogilvie Road to OR 174 is identified in the OP as Mixed Use Centre. It includes commercial, retail, and shopping centres.

The study area also includes the Aviation Parkway, which intersects Montreal Road east of St. Laurent Boulevard. As the Aviation Parkway is a federally owned roadway, the project will require consultation with the National Capital Commission (NCC) for any modifications that may be required at the intersection of Montreal Road and the Aviation Parkway. 12

Some tasks may require examination of a broader area beyond these limits to address environmental impacts, operational issues, and to coordinate with relevant on-going studies and projects.

The existing right-of-way along Montreal Road varies between 22 m and 38 m. Along Blair Road (between Montreal Road and Ogilvie Road), it is generally 23 m with the exception of a wider right-of-way near the intersection with Montreal Road. Further, a right-of-way of 46 m or higher is available between Ogilvie Road and OR 174 West- bound Off-ramp.

The OP identifies protection of 37.5 m right-of-way along Montreal Road (St. Laurent to OR 174) and 30 m along Blair Road (Montreal Road to Ogilvie Road). Engagement with property owners early and frequently will be required during the course of the study.

3.2 Timing

The study is expected to be completed in approximately 24 months from award of the contract.

3.3 Coordination with other studies

The EA Study will take into consideration other relevant studies as well as analysis and preliminary findings of any ongoing transportation, development, and infrastructure projects that could influence the direction and/or conclusions of the study. These include:

 Montreal Road Transportation Planning and Functional Design Study-North River Road to St. Laurent Boulevard (2017);

 Former CFB Rockcliffe CDP (2015);

 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plans (2014);

 Ottawa Cycling and Pedestrian Plans (2013);

 Urban Design Guidelines for Development along Arterial Mainstreets (2006);

 Official Plan Amendments #150 and #180 regarding housing and employment growth projections; and,

 The Plan for Canada’s Capital 2017-2067.

3.4 Major Tasks

Major tasks for this EA Study include the following:

 Review relevant information, studies and reports undertaken for this study area;

 Confirm future transportation demand in the study area including transit service and ridership;

 Develop options to address future demand for transit and other modes;

 Apply the Complete Streets framework and multi-modal level of service analysis within the context of existing and future land use;

 Assess walking and cycling infrastructure requirements and connections;

 Develop alternative solutions and design alternatives for the project;

 Assess and evaluate environmental implications;

o Natural environment features;

o Geotechnical conditions;

o Wetlands, natural environmental areas and features;

o Stormwater management and hydrology;

o Noise, Vibration and Air Quality impacts; and,

o Adjacent land uses and communities (existing and future).

 Undertake climate change adaptation and mitigation assessment and greenhouse gas emission analysis;

 Develop mitigation measures;

 Develop a Recommended Plan for the corridor (including functional design, and property requirements);

 Identify capital costs for implementation as per the Council approved Project Delivery Review process;

 Consult with federal agencies and departments, community groups and stakeholders; 14

 Document the EA Process; and,

 Follow up support during the 30-day public review of the Environmental Project Report with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as required.

4.0 Planning and Environmental Assessment

The EA Study comprises the following tasks:

4.1 Need and Justification

The TMP identifies the Montreal-Blair Road corridor as part of the 2031 Affordable Rapid Transit and Transit Priority Network. Using the most current information and technical data available, the EA Study will identify existing and future travel demand for all modes of transportation and document opportunities and challenges within the study area. The study will analyze the need and justification for a Transit Priority Corridor to provide reliable and efficient transit service to major employment, commercial and residential destinations along the corridor and to the Transitway station at Blair Station. The need for safe infrastructure for pedestrian and cyclists along the corridor will also be included in this study.

4.2 Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions

An inventory of the existing social, cultural, economic, physical, and natural environments within the study area will be compiled. This inventory will consider all available background material and will be supplemented by on-site surveys and/or detailed studies. The inventory must be detailed enough to enable the analysis of effects arising from alternatives considered in this study.

In general, the inventory will identify and describe those aspects of the environment that could potentially affect, or be affected by, the undertaking. Some of the specific aspects of the environment associated with this project include inventory of:

 Adjacent private and public property and the neighbouring community;

 Current road, transit, pedestrian, cycling and multi-use pathway corridors/routes;

 Current stormwater drainage patterns;

 Greenspace, natural environment areas and water courses;

 Detailed subsurface (geotechnical) conditions; 15

 Heritage and archaeological conditions;

 Utilities including water, sanitary, hydro, gas, cable, phone, and fibre optic; and,

 Noise, air quality and vibration.

The complete inventory will be described and documented within the Environmental Project Report.

4.3 Develop Alternative Solutions

The study will identify and examine a reasonable range of alternative solutions to address the transportation issues, options include:

o Do nothing (as a baseline for analysis of options);

o Expand and enhance public transit facilities;

o Expand and enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure;

o Implement transportation demand management (TDM) measures to reduce travel demand; and,

o Improve roadway capacities.

While developing alternative solutions, consideration will also be given to:

o Potential to promote and advance transit-oriented development;

o Community access and land use integration;

o Congestion reduction;

o Visual, cultural landscape, and heritage attributes; and

o Environmental characteristics.

This stage will involve the development of evaluation criteria which will include a range of indicators to analyze and evaluate alternative options and select the preferred solution for the study. The preferred solution may involve a combination of alternative options.

The travel-forecasting component included in this stage of the study must:

 Identify the needs for all modes of transportation (walking, cycling, transit, cars, and trucks);

 Incorporate the principles (e.g. mode share targets) of the current OP and TMP in balancing demand to capacity while promoting the desire to increase transit use, and appropriate land uses;

 Incorporate the principles of Multi-Modal Level of Service to provide facilities for all modes within the context of the adjacent land use; and,

 Provide supporting analysis and recommendations for the proposed infrastructure.

4.4 Develop Design Alternatives

The study will identify and evaluate various design alternatives for the preferred solution. Alignment and cross-section design alternatives will be identified based on consideration of constraints within the study area, input from the public and approval agencies, landowners, as well as accepted guidelines, standards, and practices.

The various design alternatives will consider:

 Transportation performance in terms of access and connectivity to the road, transit, pedestrian, and cycling networks, including detours during construction;

 The Complete Streets framework;

 Structure general arrangements;

 Impact on public and private lands;

 Geotechnical considerations;

 Drainage and stormwater management;

 Impact on Archaeology and Heritage;

 Utility location and relocations;

 Noise, vibration and air quality;

 Operational considerations;

 Overall cost affordability; 17

 Climate change adaptation and mitigation assessment and greenhouse gas emission;

 Constructability and staging; and,

 Landscaping and urban design features where appropriate.

Additional field investigations, surveys, test pits, and boreholes will be taken as necessary to document the scope and potential impact of the design alternatives.

4.5 Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Process

The evaluation criteria and methodology will be developed to assess potential effects of the design alternatives of the preferred solution. Mitigation measures and associated implications, such as cost of mitigation, will be identified and considered in the evaluation process. The study will clearly identify the initial impacts of each design alternative as well as the net post-mitigation effects and enhancement opportunities using quantifiable indicators and measures wherever possible. To ensure that all impacts are appropriately evaluated, the following issues will be addressed:

 Transportation Service and Existing Infrastructure:

o Impact on the existing and future road, transit, pedestrian and cycling networks; and,

o Impact on utilities and existing infrastructure.

 Natural Environment:

o Impact on lands of natural significance, greenspace and water courses;

o Impact on groundwater and stormwater drainage; and,

o Impact on contaminated lands.

 Social Environment:

o Impact on adjacent land uses;

o Impact on air quality, noise and vibration levels;

o Heritage and archaeological matters; and,

o Urban design including landscape and streetscape plans; 18

 Economic Environment:

o Capital and operating costs.

4.6 4Recommended Plan

Following the evaluation of alternative solutions and design alternatives, and after determining all necessary mitigation measures to minimize the adverse impacts of the project, a technically preferred plan will be developed.

The technically preferred plan will be developed to a sufficient level of detail as required to produce a functional design plan that is adequate for submissions for project approval, and to establish a complete project scope, budget, and implementation schedule.

This Recommended Plan will include:

 A detailed written description of the undertaking including the design parameters;

 Functional design drawings (1:500 scale, plan and profile) for the preferred alignment with geo-referenced horizontal alignment, vertical profile, grading, drainage, and property envelope;

 Cross-section drawings for typical sections as well as critical areas;

 Landscape and urban design plans;

 Stormwater management requirements;

 Property needs/acquisition plan;

 Implementation/staging plan and preliminary detour plan during construction;

 Infrastructure implementation/staging plan such as municipal servicing, utility co-ordination and rehabilitation of roads;

 Potential mitigation measures with a commitment to compliance monitoring during project implementation; and,

 Project cost estimate.

The Recommended Plan, including mitigation measures, will identify and set out the requirements and timing for all subsequent approvals required to proceed with the construction of the project. 19

4.7 Costing

Developing an accurate project budget is an essential component of this study, as it will contribute to the City’s short and long range capital budget forecasting. The budget scoping will be developed using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) format in current dollars, and include contingency allowances, as well as cost for detouring during construction if so required. The budget development will also follow the City’s Council- approved Project Delivery Review process.

4.8 Project Deliverables

The deliverables for the study include:

 Forecast travel demand modelling and analysis;

 Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions Report;

 Functional design drawings (1:500 scale) of the recommended plan, including plans and profiles for recommended alignments, structure general arrangement drawings, utility relocation details, stormwater management plans, landscape design plans, supporting infrastructure and property requirement plans;

 Functional design plans identifying City right-of-way and property required for the recommended plan;

 Noise, Vibration, and Air Quality Reports;

 Geotechnical Report;

 Consultation Summary Report;

 Project Implementation/Staging Plan, which will identify all future approval requirements including those for property acquisitions and easements and other property related matters;

 Project capital cost estimates, in Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) format, following the Council-approved Project Delivery Review process for cost estimating;

 Content (written and graphical) for all public notices related to the study;

 Open House and Consultation Group presentation display and information materials, handouts and signage; 20

 Project web page information in accessible format;

 Draft and Final Environmental Project Report (EPR) to document the study process, activities and findings in support of the Recommended Plan; and,

 An Executive Summary which will be translated and in accessible format.

4.9 Environmental Project Report

The EPR will document the entire study process including consultation, the development of alternatives, the recommended design, and any appropriate mitigation plans, amending procedures, costing, implementation and staging plans, commitments to future action, including external approvals required, and Council’s decision pertaining to the study recommendations.

The final EPR will be prepared and placed on public record for a minimum 30-day review period. The consultant is expected to provide assistance in responding to comments during the review period and until completion of the EA Study. An FTP site for the public to access and download the EPR will be made available during the 30-day review period.

5.0 Consultation

Consultation will involve stakeholders, the City’s Advisory Committees as appropriate, community groups, property owners, businesses, approval agencies, Indigenous People, special interest groups, and area residents. Early in the study process, stakeholders will be identified through consultation with the Ward Councillors.

The consultation strategy will consist of meetings with key stakeholders through an Agency Consultation Group (ACG), Business Consultation Group (BCG), Public Consultation Group (PCG), and the general public through Open Houses. The membership, roles and responsibilities of each Consultation Group will be defined prior to the first meeting. Specific aspects of the consultation program are summarized below.

5.1 Agency Consultation Group

An Agency Consultation Group (ACG) will be formed to review and comment on a full range of technical issues. The ACG will also ensure that the City is following the procedures, legislation and addressing appropriate policies. Members will include representatives primarily from government agencies and approval bodies, including the NCC, NRCC, MTO, CSIS, CSEC, and CMHC. The ACG will meet at key stages of the 21 study. Direct one-on-one consultation with the NCC, federal agencies, and other groups may be necessary as specific issues arise during the course of the study.

5.2 Business Consultation Group

A Business Consultation Group (BCG) will be formed to enable business owners and developers along the corridor to inform and provide input to the study, and advise on local economic and business issues and concerns.

5.3 Public Consultation Groups

A Public Consultation Group (PCG) will be formed to enable community groups, special interest groups, the City’s Advisory Committees, and adjacent property owners to provide direct input to the study regarding local issues and community concerns.

5.4 Indigenous People

The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada will be contacted to review any Indigenous People issues or ongoing claims within the study area. Recognizing the federal role in this regard, the study will ensure appropriate coordination with federal authorities pursuant to the federal guidelines on “Aboriginal Consultation and Accommodation (March 2011 update).” Direct consultation with affected Indigenous People will also be carried out as appropriate.

5.5 Notifications

The public and stakeholders will be notified of the EA Study commencement, all Public Open Houses, the submission of the EPR for Ministry approval, and notifications of project completion. Notices will be sent out at appropriate stages in the study, and each announcement will take the following forms as applicable:

 Advertisements in local newspapers (Ottawa Citizen, Le Droit) and in community newspapers if available (Centretown News, Perspectives Vanier);

 The project web site on the City’s web portal; and,

 Electronic mail out.

5.6 Public Open Houses

A minimum of two Open Houses will be held for the general public, for the study team to present and obtain feedback on: 22

 Existing conditions;

 Alternative solution and design options;

 Results of the evaluation process; and,

 The Recommended Plan.

Bilingual staff will be present during Open House meetings and all material presented will be in both official languages.

5.7 Project Mailing List

A Master Mailing List for the project will be established and updated throughout the course of the project. The Mailing List will be updated via Open House attendance, general enquires, e-mails, and other forms of consultation.

5.8 Project Web Page

A Project Information Web Page will be established for this study on the City’s website. Materials posted will inform the public of the progress and interim findings of the study and upcoming meetings or activities, and include a point of access for public consultation and feedback. The web information will conform to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

To assist in providing information to the public, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) will be prepared and posted to provide answers to common questions raised during the study. The FAQ document will be developed early in the study process and updated before each Public Open House event.

5.9 Transportation Committee and Council Meetings

The final study findings will be presented to Transportation Committee and Council for approval.