Full disclosure needed on new hospital risks

Dear Editor, Glebe Report

I support a new hospital, but not without full disclosure of the risks and impacts that could harm the city.

Upon reviewing city documents and videos of the meetings since 2018 for the new hospital, I discovered a lack of disclosure by the applicant.

There is no documentation or information on the planned heliport on the top of the building. This will have a profound impact on local migratory birds (protected), residents and patients both in, and getting to, the hospital. At the City Council meeting of October 1, 2021, the presentation by the applicant (available online) made not one mention of the addition of a new active heliport facility. As a helicopter pilot, I know this is adding industrial activity to the highest residential density part of the city and a wildlife /migratory bird urban park.

Planned tanker trucks with diesel fuel will be supplying large diesel generators that will run most of the time, despite the environmental cost, air quality problems and the city’s own policy of retiring fossil fuels. The diesel tanker deliveries will be transiting the heritage/wildlife designated section of Prince of Wales Drive.

As well, radioactive materials and waste will be moved through the same sensitive area and is not discussed in any documents presented to decision makers.

There is no local First Nations consultation mentioned.

The city and public were not given the necessary information in meetings on the subject to make informed decisions. It is required by policy that full disclosure occur, yet it is easily interpreted that we are being deceived. This will affect us all.

Let’s demand full disclosure from the mayor, the NCC, the provincial government and the hospital, including reasons for the choice of location. They are a democratic necessity.

T. Chilibeck