Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Tunnel Open House: Feb. 26, 2009

On Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, the City of Ottawa will be making a presentation regarding the planning of the Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel (DOTT). The presentation begins at 7 p.m. and is in City Hall (110 Laurier Ave. W) in Jean Piggot Hall.

Below is the City's description of the event. I would recommend you visit the City's website on the consultation to get a sneak peak at some of the documentation they will be presenting.
We want to hear from you!

The tunnel study is the first step in developing a world-class transit system that starts with a trip down an escalator. The tunnel will ultimately enhance how quickly and efficiently we move around Ottawa for generations. This is a groundbreaking project for Ottawa that will shape the city for generations to come and the City wants to hear from you.

All elements of this city-building project require careful consideration in order to
find the best possible solutions.

For that reason, we are looking for your input in developing the design of the Tunnel project.
  • Where do you think the stations should be and what should they look like?
  • How should the stations integrate into the surrounding area?
  • What design features - such as public art - are important to you?

Consultation venues will be offered throughout the duration of the Tunnel study. Outreach activities will include public consultations, agency and interest group meetings, as well as open houses and information will continue to be updated on ottawa.ca.

The study team will be available at the open house to discuss the study findings to date.

1 comment:

RealGrouchy said...

Consultation in this city is bunk. Do they really want to hear from us? If so, why? So they can write in their report that they "consulted" the public?

How many people have so far expressed strong opposition to running trains along the Ottawa River Parkway, and yet the City hasn't budged from its plan to do so.

The City has demonstrated time and again that they are going to do what they want to do, and--short of electing an unskilled mayor to kill a wayward transit project--nothing the public says will change that.

The City will spin these consultations to mean whatever they want it to mean. If lots of people come out, no matter what their comment sheets say, the City will say that "there was a high turnout and the open house was a success". If there was a low turnout, the City will assume it's because everyone's okay with the project.

Never mind that tonight at City Hall there's a big consultation on the Official Plan urban guidelines, and tomorrow there's a presentation at City Hall on urban design. Three big events in one week. How much time do they think we have???

I think people have long since given up being consulted and not listened to, and the only people you find at these consultations are the diehards who are too 'biased' for Staff to pay any attention to.

- RG>