April 12 to May 27, 2005: Consultation of the file and the possibility of requesting a public hearing

Québec City, April 12, 2005 – Today, April 12, at the request of Thomas J. Mulcair, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) made public the impact study and the file concerning the project to improve ground transportation infrastructure near Montréal-Trudeau Airport. The documents are available to the public during the public information and consultation period which begins today, April 12, and ends May 27, 2005.

During this 45-day period, citizens, groups, municipalities and organizations may ask the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks to hold public hearing. Unless the Minister feels the request is frivolous, he commissions BAPE to hold an inquiry and consult the public on the project within the framework of public hearings in which the population at large can participate.

The Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks may also decide to task BAPE with an inquiry and, if warranted by the circumstances, with environmental mediation. In principle, this mandate takes place between the persons who requested public hearing and the proponent.

WHERE CAN THE PROJECT DOCUMENTS BE CONSULTED?

Citizens can obtain information about the project by referring to the impact study produced by the proponent and the other documents describing the project, including those dealing with the project’s environmental impact. Starting today, these documents are available at the BAPE office in Québec City, at the main library of the Université du Québec à Montréal, and on the BAPE’s Web site at www.bape.gouv.qc.ca, under the heading « Périodes d’information et de consultation publiques ». The complete file is also available at the following locations:

Note that a register is available in all consultation centres for citizens who wish to enter their comments.

WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS?

Citizens who want extra information or explanations, who wish to obtain an expert opinion, or who want to make known their viewpoint or position regarding the project, may request a public hearing during the public information and consultation period. The request must be sent in writing by May 27, 2005, to the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, Thomas J. Mulcair, at 675, boulevard René-Lévesque Est, 30e étage, Québec (Québec) G1R 5V7. Applicants must indicate the grounds for the request and their interest in the milieu affected by the project.

THE PROJECT

The ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) is proposing a complete overhaul of the Dorval interchange, composed of the Côte-de-Liesse interchange and the Dorval traffic circle, as well as creation of direct and bidirectional highway links. The new interchange would provide direct access to Montréal-Trudeau Airport and divide local road traffic from that transiting on Highway 20 by introducing ramps linking the airport to Highways 20 and 520. The project would also take into account a possible railway right-of-way linking the Montréal-Trudeau Airport sector to downtown Montréal, as well as public transit improvements. The estimated cost of the project is $133 million, excluding rail service, on a cost-sharing basis between the MTQ, the federal government and the Ville de Montréal, with participation by Aéroports de Montréal. The bulk of the proponent’s work would span 2007 to 2009.
Impact projected by the proponent and mitigation measures proposed in the impact study

According to the impact study, the impacts during the construction phase would involve noise, dust emission, vibrations, local traffic disturbance, heavier road traffic, complicated movement, and lower performance of businesses and industry adjacent to the interchange. The project would also mean full or complete expropriation of commercial, industrial and public establishments and relocation of certain buildings. The MTQ is proposing measures to cushion these impacts and financial compensation for the owners of every reduced site.

During the operational phase, the impacts projected by the MTQ would be positive for the most part. The benefits would include better accessibility to Montréal-Trudeau Airport, improved traffic conditions and road reliability and safety, integration of the north and south portions of the area covered, business performance, and economic development. The proponent feels the negative impact in terms of the visual and biophysical environment would be minor, notably with regard to ground and surface water, soil quality, and the natural environment.

Persons seeking further information can contact Julie Olivier at (418) 643-7447, extension 539, or toll-free 1-800-463-4732, or by e-mail at julie.olivier@bape.gouv.qc.ca.

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Source: Julie Olivier
Communications Advisor