Julie Fiala Chartrand
“No.”
Stéphanie Plante (Response originally given in French, translated to English by EO Volunteers)
“I hope Ecology Ottawa will support the sixth interprovincial link to get trucks off downtown streets. On King Edward, trucks can get stuck in traffic, idling, for 10 to 40 minutes. Residents suffer from the noise, pollution, and safety risks.
I understand your desire to reduce our reliance on trucking. However, goods will not stop being transported by truck, especially given that the federal government wants to strengthen interprovincial trade and trade corridors. We must also protect the people who currently live along these routes.
For too long, affluent communities have dominated this debate and used repeated calls for “studies” and “consultations” to delay any decision. Meanwhile, low-income communities in Lower Town continue to pay the price. Consultation is essential, but it must not become a veto power for the most influential neighborhoods.
Environmental justice also requires us to examine who bears the consequences of inaction. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss this issue and other matters affecting Rideau-Vanier and the downtown communities.”