Sector-specific consultations
A project built in collaboration with the community
A project of this scope must be planned and built in close collaboration with all stakeholders. This is why the environmental studies will be subject to a rigorous public consultation process.
Public consultations and environmental studies
It goes without saying that a project of this scope must be planned and built in close collaboration with all stakeholders. Throughout its development, the project office team is making every effort to ensure transparency in order to maintain an open dialogue with the community.
Environmental studies are key components of the pre-project phase. As pillars of the planning stage, those studies will be presented for rigorous public consultation with several stakeholders: residents’ associations, merchants and public institutions, mobility, urban planning and environmental organizations, and any other interested party located along the proposed circuit.
Those studies will propose pertinent and technically feasible mitigation measures to address the needs and issues identified by residents during the sector-specific consultations.
For information about the two environmental approval processes the Gatineau-Ottawa tram will undergo, go to Environmental assessments.
Environmental Impact Study
Portion of the circuit on the Quebec side
The following is the sequence of the main public consultation steps for the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) according to the Procédure accélérée d’évaluation et d’examen des impacts sur l’environnement (PAEEIE) du ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP).
Step one
- Notice of project submitted to the ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) by the Gatineau-Ottawa tram project office
- Publication of the notice of project and the Minister’s directive in the Registre des évaluations environnementales.
- Public consultation organized by the MELCCFP. The public has 30 days to notify the Minister in writing of its observations regarding issues that should be addressed in the impact study.
- Within 20 days after the end of that consultation, the Minister submits a report to the project office and publishes it in the Registre des évaluations environnementales. That report summarizes the issues raised by the public that warrant inclusion in the impact study.
- Lead: MELCCFP
Step two
- The project office launches public consultations to hear any comments and issues that may not have been raised by stakeholders during the MELCCFP consultation.
- Lead: Gatineau-Ottawa tram project office
Step three
- BAPE public hearings
- Lead: Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE)
What is the BAPE?
The Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) is a government agency that advises Quebec’s Minister of the Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) by making recommendations following a process of information, consultation and investigation. The BAPE does not have the power to authorize or reject a project. Such decisions are up to the Government.
For details, go to Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE).
Environmental Impact Assessment
Portion of the circuit on or alongside federal lands in Quebec or Ontario, including the Portage Bridge
Public consultations will be held as part of the Environmental assessments. The details about the different ways the public can provide its input will be communicated at the appropriate time.
First Nations
The STO intends to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the Algonquin communities concerned, and is preparing an information and consultation plan in that regard. Quebec and federal government environmental assessment procedures also provide for an information and consultation process with Indigenous communities as part of the impact study.
For additional details, go to Guide on the information and consultation process carried out with Aboriginal communities by the proponent of a project subject to the environmental impact assessment and review procedure as well as the Federal Land Use, Design and Transactions Approval process overseen by the National Capital Commission.
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