CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

CARRIED

The Committee received a letter dated 1 November 1999 from Renée Gagner-Scott, expressing her concerns about the proposed modifications.

Jim Miller, Director of Engineering introduced the Project Manager, Barry Townsend and Gerry Lajeunesse from the National Capital Commission (NCC). Mr. Townsend provided an overview of the item as detailed in the report.

Councillor Legendre referred to Figure 1 in which a cement median is proposed at Rideau Gate, whereas the other medians proposed throughout this project will be painted on the road. Mr. Townsend explained the solid median is intended to accommodate the traffic control signal being proposed at this intersection. This is the preliminary design however and different details may come out during the detailed design stage.

Councillor Legendre inquired about the issue of parking as well as the status of the "Canada and the World Pavillion". Mr. Lajeunesse indicated the study for this project is proceeding, in consultation with the New Edinburgh Community and one of the conditions is that the NCC undertake an origin/destination study for tour buses. He confirmed there is currently no holding area for buses, but options are being investigated e.g. the National Research Council and Princess Street.

Councillor McGoldrick-Larsen wondered how the road would function without the two lanes heading east and Mr. Townsend stated that the proposal will only reduce the road to one lane for approximately 600m and is not anticipated to cause any difficulties.

Recognizing that Councillor Doucet had requested an opportunity to speak to this item, but was not present at the time of discussion, the committee agreed to receive the report as presented. Staff confirmed that the report presents all the options for reconstruction and while there has been extensive dialogue with the community over the past several years, there are many issues still to be resolved.

In light of the recent announcement by Nortel for a new plant in Kanata, Councillor McGoldrick-Larsen submitted the following inquiry:

With the current high level of economic development in Ottawa-Carleton in 1999 and anticipated in the year 2000, does the Region have the transportation infrastructure to support this economic growth; and

Can the Region respond in a timely manner when a major economic node develops with minimal servicing.

Quality of Drawings in Agendas

Councillor Legendre expressed frustration that maps continue to appear in the agendas which are so reduced in size, the quality of the original picture is drastically reduced and the maps become illegible. The Committee Chair suggested that in such instances, the maps can be issued separately on a larger scale. Councillor Legendre added that copies should also be included in agendas that are provided to the public.