Work begins on two years of federally-funded capital region projects

The federal government set aside $55-million for bridges, buildings, roads, parkways, walls, monuments, public art, green space and more.

Ottawamatters.com
August 15, 2018
Mike Vlasveld

Using the repair work on Gatineau's Voyageurs Pathway as illustration, the National Capital Commission is providing new details on major infrastructure projects underway in the capital region over the next two years.

The federal government announced in February that it planned to spend $55-million on local infrastructure projects.

"Our government is proud to support the work required to repair the Voyageurs pathway," said Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. "This rebuilt path will allow residents and visitors to take in the beautiful, natural scenery along the Ottawa River."

This investment is expected to assist the NCC in ensuring that major infrastructure assets remain safe, resilient and enjoyable for future generations of residents and visitors to the area.

"Gatineau's long term vision is for a safe, connected and friendly network of paths that give residents ready bicycle access to rivers and parks," said Councillor Louise Boudrias, Deputy Mayor, City of Gatineau. "The Voyageurs, Lac-des-Fees and De l'Ile pathways are essential active transportation corridors for many of our residents. I want to thank the NCC for the quick actions to rehabilitate these important infrastructures."

Work has already begun on the Voyageur Pathway, which suffered severe damage in last year's devastating flood.

The pathway is expected to be rebuilt to higher standards, increasing resiliency in the face of further extreme weather events. It is scheduled to reopen in late fall 2018.

The NCC will invest approximately $6-million into the restoration of multiple pathways and infrastructures severely impacted by the spring 2017 flood. These include the Voyageurs, Lac-des-Fees and de l'Ile pathways, the Leamy Lake electrical distribution system, the Victoria Island shoreline and the Champlain Bridge parking lot.

Over the course of the 2018-19 planning and design phase, as well as the 2019-20 construction and execution phase when the bulk of the funds will be spent, the NCC will invest into the following major infrastructure projects:

• Bridges: investment of approximately $21.8-million for the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway's LeBreton Exit Bridge, the Hog's Back swing bridge and Portage Bridge;
• Buildings: investment of approximately $12.8-million for projects including those at 504 Sir George-Etienne Cartier Parkway, 25 George Street and 541 Sussex Drive;
• Roads, parkways and walls: investment of approximately $6.7-million for projects including the O'Brien access road and the Philippe Lake campground roadway;
• Monuments, commemorations and public art: investment of approximately $1.5-million for long-deferred lifecycle interventions;
• Green space and tree rehabilitation: investment of approximately $4.5-million to start implementation of replanting strategies, as progress is made toward completing the management of the emerald ash borer's devastating infestation.