Lady Alexandra Bridge Replacement Project

I am writing on behalf of the Federation of Citizens Associations (FCA) of Ottawa, which represents 70 community groups in the City of Ottawa, in regards to the Lady Alexandra Bridge Replacement Project that is being undertaken by Public Services & Procurement Canada in collaboration with the National Capital Commission (reference # 83444). The FCA supports the retention of the heritage characteristics of this iconic bridge. At its April 20, 2022 FCA General Meeting, the following motion was endorsed by its members:

Whereas the Federation of Citizens Associations (FCA) recognizes and supports the retention of the heritage characteristics of the Lady Alexandra Bridge;

Whereas the FCA recognizes the opportunity to enhance active transportation on the Lady Alexandra Bridge;

Therefore the FCA recommends that the Public Services & Procurement Canada and the NCC ensure that the Lady Alexandra Bridge project contains the following elements:

(1) the need to embed the original heritage design of the Lady Alexandra bridge into this project;

(2) the importance of ensuring that the Lady Alexandra bridge plays a role in supporting public transit;

(3) recognize the bridge's central importance as an active transportation link;

(4) preserving the views from the bridge; and

(5) the need to accommodate active transportation users in the period between the closure of the existing bridge and the opening of its replacement.

Please accept this as our feedback on your request for public comment. We believe, given the iconic nature of this bridge, that an impact assessment on how it will be replaced is required.

Yours truly,

Alex Cullen

President FCA