Greening project moves ahead
Consultations led by PlanIT Consulting over greenspace east of the CP tunnel are wrapping up as of today.
A six-person working group will now analyze over 100 responses from community members asked to weigh in on the future of the 14-acre stretch of land by the Office Complex along the Old Malone Highway.
Over the last six months, Kahnawa’kehró:non were consulted on two different proposals being considered for how to beautify the area. Roughly 10 pop-up kiosks were hosted in the community to get the word out and take in feedback.
“We’re ending public consultations - we have to cut it off at some point so that we can make progress,” said Maris Jacobs, the lead on the consultation for PlanIT.
The last information session laying out the two visions for the area will be happening this Friday at 5 p.m. over Zoom. Those who want a link to attend can get one by emailing Jacobs at [email protected], or by calling PlanIT at 514 971 8077.
“We wanted to do an online version just in case people have a hard time getting out of the house,” Jacobs told The Eastern Door.
One scenario proposes a pedestrian path that would run all the way through the woods east of the CP tunnel. The other suggests leaving the forest undisturbed. Both plans also include a fire pit community members can use for gatherings. Jacobs said both plans seem to be equally as popular among those who’ve responded so far.
The $5 million project belongs to Jacques Cartier Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI), which contracted PlanIT to ensure community members would be adequately involved.
The one-kilometre-long area by the Office Complex was previously used by the federal entity as a worksite for deck replacement work needed for Mercier Bridge. With it no longer in use, JCCBI decided in 2009 to begin work aimed at revitalizing the area.
The two scenarios currently being considered were drafted by a working group made up of Kahnawa’kehró:non.
The six-person committee includes three community members who applied through a public call-out. The three others were invited for their experience in parks and recreation, Jacobs told The Eastern Door, and because they had shared valuable insights during phase one of the project last year.
She reiterated there’s still space for community members to share their thoughts on how they’d like to see the land used. Though consultations have ended, people are still welcome to call or email her to arrange a conversation.
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“We’re still trying to maintain an open line of communication,” Jacobs said. “They can ask questions at any time. I’m not going to refuse somebody’s feedback.”
