Third Crossing Of The Cataraqui River Environmental Assessment

Study Background:

The City of Kingston has initiated an Environmental Assessment (EA) to assess the need for and the feasibility of implementing additional transportation capacity across the Cataraqui River. The study area for the EA, which is shown on the map, forms part of the Rideau Canal, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Historic Site and Canadian Heritage River.

The EA is in response to the Kingston Transportation Master Plan (KTMP) which outlines the City of Kingston's strategic direction for the development of its transportation networks, programs, and priorities to 2026. The KTMP reviewed, at a conceptual level, the need for and location of additional transportation capacity across the Cataraqui River. It was determined that the exisiting LaSalle Causeway (Highway 2) is operating at capacity and that there is a need for one additional lane of capacity in each direction to satisfy the anticipated 2026 traffic demands due to increasing population and business activities in Kingston and surrounding areas.

Study Process:

The EA is proceeding as a Schedule C undertaking in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Municipal Class EA. It involves an assessment of the potential positive or negative social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of the following options:

• Retain the status quo or "do nothing";
• Increase the capacity of the LaSalle Causeway;
• Increase the capacity of Highway 401 from Montreal Street to Kingston Road 15; or
• Construct a new crossing at a location between the LaSalle Causeway and Highway 401 by a bridge or tunnel.

As the project may involve construction within lands under Federal jurisdiction or may involve a number of Federal approvals, the EA must also address the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act requirements.

Public Consultation:

Public and agency consultation has been key throughout the EA process to date:

• An agency, stakeholder group and contact list has been maintained and updated regularly;
• A Public Information Centre was held on April 9, 2009 to introduce the EA;
• An EA website (www.cityofkingston.ca/thirdcrossing) has provided updated information on the EA;
• A Cataraqui Crossing Café was held on November 28, 2009 for residents to discuss EA issues in small groups; and
• Advisory committees have been meeting on EA consultation and technical matters.

A second Public Information Centre has now been arranged to review the EA and present the preferred corridor location and type of crossing (a bridge versus a tunnel):

Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Time: 7-9 p.m. — Formal Presentation at 7 p.m. followed by a Question & Answer Session
Place: La Salle Secondary School, 773 Highway 15, Kingston

Your feedback will be incorporated into a Summary Report which will be submitted to City Council in April 2010. In April 2010, City Council will then decide whether the EA should proceed to completion.

For more information on this EA or to have your name added to our mailing list please contact:

John Sawarna, P.Eng.
Real Estate and Construction Services, City of Kingston
2nd Floor, 310 King St. East, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3B4
Phone: 613-546-4291, Ext. 3169
Fax: 613-546-4867
E-mail: thirdcrossing@cityofkingston.ca

You can also add your name to our mailing list online at the study website: www.cityofkingston.ca/thirdcrossing.