Councillors continue to press for federal, provincial funding for bridge
South Ottawa Councillors Steve Desroches (Gloucester-South Nepean) and Jan Harder (Barrhaven) today wrote to the federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Lawrence Cannon, and Ontario’s Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, David Caplan, to press for funding assistance for the Strandherd-Armstrong bridge.
“This is an important project to the residents of south Ottawa and the City as a whole,” said Councillor Desroches. “I am hopeful that Ministers Cannon and Caplan will recognize the merit of this project and Councillor Harder and I will continue to encourage them to come to the table with appropriate funding to get this bridge built.”
A suitable candidate for federal and provincial funding, the bridge is intended to link the Riverside South and Barrhaven communities and alleviate current pressures on the City’s surrounding infrastructure, namely the Manotick and Hunt Club bridges, while also improving the quality of life for the residents in south Ottawa.
“Obviously, we will continue to inform the other levels of government that this is a critical piece of infrastructure,” said Councillor Harder. “This will serve the residents and businesses of the Riverside South and Barrhaven communities, which are currently facing the pressures of the continuous growth in the south urban area.”
Between 2001 and 2006 South Nepean increased almost 50 per cent while Riverside South and Leitrim increased by 153 per cent and 506 per cent, respectively. In fact, the population growth in the South Urban Community is expected to be the highest among all areas located outside the Greenbelt.
“Recognizing the urgency and necessity of improving infrastructure in our community, this was identified as a priority as far back as 1993 and was once again identified by the Mayor’s Task Force on Transportation in June,” said Councillor Desroches.
“Meanwhile, the City’s Transportation Master Plan identifies the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge as a necessary piece of infrastructure needed to connect the southwest and southeast transit corridors and allow the residents on both side of the river to access the amenities and services that are important to successful communities.”
In June 2007, Council directed City staff to begin the preliminary and detailed design work on the Strandherd-Armstrong bridge. While that work continues, the councillors remain committed to lobbying the provincial and federal governments for funding.
Hopeful that all levels of government will want to come to the table to fund the project, both councillors said they are continuing their efforts to secure a financial commitment from the other levels of government.
Background
Construction of the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge will enhance transportation services for both Riverside South and Barrhaven and provide much needed connection between the two major communities of Gloucester-South Nepean Ward. This new bridge provides an alternative river crossing to the Hunt Club and Bridge Street (Manotick) bridges. The Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge would consist of four general traffic lanes and two interim transit (bus) lanes until such time that a separate transit bridge is required. It is also proposed that the bridge deck be designed to accommodate the future construction of light rail transit lanes.
On June 27, 2007, Council directed staff to proceed with the preliminary and detailed designs incorporating transit as appropriate in order to finalize bridge component details and costing. The National Capital Commission (NCC) and Parks Canada must also approve the final bridge design before construction can begin. The Mayor’s Task Force recommendations support this project for construction in the short term.
Media Contact:
Justin Sadler, Communications Advisor
Office of Councillor Steve Desroches
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www.stevedesroches.ca
