Public Invited To Third Crossing Open House

The Environmental Assessment (EA) examining a potential Third Crossing over the Cataraqui River is nearing completion and the City is inviting residents to attend an open house for a presentation showing the progress on this significant project.

The Third Crossing Public Information Centre (PIC) Open House is set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, at La Salle Secondary School, 773 Highway 15. The formal presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The public will see presentations on a number of the completed technical background studies that examine the implications of the proposed bridge and means of mitigating adverse environmental impacts.

The Open House will also provide an opportunity for the project team to recap the major findings of the EA, which commenced in 2009, discuss its preliminary conclusions and share the anticipated next steps toward its completion.

“The Environmental Assessment has pulled together a significant amount of information that has allowed the project team to begin to prepare a draft the Environmental Study Report,” says Mark Van Buren, Director of Engineering. “Public consultation and input into the Environmental Assessment is a vital component of the process as our community continues to consider this major project.”

Van Buren notes that 2011 estimated construction costs for the proposed project ranged from $120 million (plus HST) for a two lane crossing to $200 million for a four lane crossing. If the project is undertaken, the City would examine a full range of funding options.

Residents are now able to view the technical background studies. This page also hosts a picture of the proposed bridge chosen through a public input opportunity in March of 2011.

Media contact information: Cindie Ashton, Communications Officer, 613-546-4291, extension 3116 (cell 329-3462). Or call the City of Kingston’s media hotline at 613-546-4291, ext 2300.