Interprovincial Crossings Project
Ottawa and Gatineau are separated by the Ottawa River, which leads to interprovincial transportation challenges. According to transportation studies, as Canada’s Capital Region continues to grow, traffic delays and congestion will likely worsen. To avoid this, the Region’s governments need to work together to:
- optimize existing regional and interprovincial transportation infrastructure and systems,
- improve interprovincial transportation integration; and
- resolve heavy truck traffic issues in the Capital’s core area.
The federal, provincial and municipal governments responsible for planning and managing Canada’s Capital Region have partnered to address the issue. The interprovincial crossings project focuses on building capacity across the Ottawa River with a sustainable solution that best fits the region’s needs.
Phase 1: Initial Environmental Assessment Study
The project’s initial Environmental Assessment Study confirmed the need for a new interprovincial crossing over the Ottawa River between Ottawa and Gatineau. Based on the initial study, three potential corridors were identified for further study in the project’s second phase:
- Kettle Island
- Lower Duck Island
- Gatineau Airport/McLaurin Bay.
Phase 2: Environmental Assessment Study and Final Reports
In the Study’s second and final phase, environmental assessments are being conducted for the three potential corridors. The final report of the Environmental Assessment Study will:
- evaluate the three potential corridors,
- recommend the best corridor option, and
- provide an implementation strategy for the recommended corridor.
The contract for this assessment was awarded to Roche‐Genivar Joint Venture following a competitive procurement process.
A Screening Report will also be prepared. In this decision document the expert and regulatory federal departments will outline their joint position on the significance of potential adverse environmental effects with mitigation.
For more information, visit the Interprovincial Crossings Environmental Assessment Study website.
Project Partners
The government bodies that have funded and partnered in the project’s Environmental Assessment Study are:
- National Capital Commission
- Ministère des Transports du Québec
- Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
