NCC launches public consultations on new Ottawa-Gatineau interprovincial bridge

Corridor 5, also known as the Kettle Island bridge or eastern bridge, is a proposed sixth interprovincial bridge. (National Capital Commission map)

The National Capital Commission has launched the first round of public consultations on a proposed new interprovincial bridge in Ottawa’s east end.

Last December, the federal government committed to building a new bridge over the Ottawa River to connect Ottawa and Gatineau, reviving the controversial proposal for interprovincial travel.

The proposed sixth bridge would cross Kettle Island in the Ottawa River, connecting the Aviation Parkway to Montée Paiement in Gatineau.

An online survey is now available until July 10, with the NCC inviting people to share their thoughts on the project’s “early planning and design principles.”

“Your input will also inform the initial project description, which will be submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada as part of the federal Impact Assessment process,” the NCC said.

According to the NCC, the feedback from residents will play a key role in identifying the project’s “most important benefits from a community perspective,” understanding “potential impacts on people, places and the environment” and shaping the initial planning and design principles for the bridge.

The survey asks participants to rank what topics are most important to them for the eastern bridge project: transportation and connectivity, community impacts and health, the environment and economic opportunities. Participants are also asked about their concerns for the interprovincial bridge project.

The NCC says it is envisioned that the new bridge will provide residents with additional access to public and active transportation modes.

The new bridge at Kettle Island could be completed between 2032 and 2034.

“The construction of a new bridge is a long and complex process. This project is in the pre-planning phase,” the NCC said on its website.

“A number of studies and assessments remain to be completed. At this time, the NCC has the authorization to further assess potential impacts and define the required functionality at the identified location.”