Archived - Connection of Boulevard de Grives and Allumettieres, City of Gatineau, Quebec

City of gatineau Blvd des Grives/Allumettiieres (QC)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 10-01-59710
National Capital Commission: ~~~~

Environmental Assessment Type

Screening

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

National Capital Commission

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On December 7, 2010, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because the National Capital Commission considered providing federal lands.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

General nature of the project

The City of Gatineau propose to extend Boulevard des Grives and develop an intersection with Boulevard des Allumiettieres. This project was to include the installation of the new intersection; the installation of underground infrastructures (sanitary and storm sewers); electric services; a water pipeline; the installation of a pedestrian-cyclist overpass of Boulevard des Allumettières interconnecting with Pioneer Pathway of the CCN south of Boulevard of Allumettières.

The City proposed to complete this work as a single project but, because of the unforeseen factors, decided to undertake it in two phases. The first phase includes the prolongation of Boulevard des Grives, the intersection and the installation of underground infrastructures, plus the installation of a pedestrian overpass and the connection to existing pathway mentioned previously. The second phase of the project would include the installation of water pipeline between Boulevard des Grives south and Boulevard des Allumettières. This phase will be subject to a new environmental assessment next year.

Scale of the project

The first phase of interconnection project of Boulevard des Grives and Allumettières, including the overpass and underground infrastructure, consists of activities related to preconstruction, construction, and post construction. Those activities will include  mobilization of the contractor;  preparation (grubbing and deforestation) of the staging/construction site;  installation of underground infrastructure,  installation of the intersection;  installation of the overpass and pathway interconnection, and  site restoration.

Environmental setting of the project

The connection point of Boulevards des Grives to Allumettières is located on the north side of Blvd des Allumettières, within the Hull sector of the City of Gatineau. The overpass and extension of the path are inside Gatineau Park - connecting section between the Champlain Corridor and Moore farm, all south of Blvd Allumettières. To the north of the new section of Blvd des Grives are residences and commercial buildings. A residential zone, Manoir des Trembles is located south of the Champlain Corridor. To the east there is vacant, wooded land, commercial properties, Saint-Raymond Boulevard and Gatineau Park. Vacant wooded land also is present on the west side of the plateau and within the Champlain corridor which is west of Manoir des Trembles. The latter includes the valley of Moore creek. Wetlands are found to the east and west of the extension of Blvd des Grives, north of Blvd des Allumettières.

Duration of the project's construction

Construction is expected to commence in the fall of 2010 and be completed by the fall of 2011.

Main environmental issues of concern

The main environmental issues associated with this project are the conservation of potentially affected wetlands and the protection of the natural resources of Gatineau Park, notably Moore Creek.

Human populations potentially affected by the project

Local and regional populations are likely to be affected, in the short term, because of construction and the potential effects on road safety.

Final Decision

A decision was taken on January 27, 2011 and was that the authority may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the screening report and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authority is of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.