Federal policies on airport development, community engagement, accountability, and environmental policies regarding the Hunt Club Forest, Ottawa

Petition: 510

Issue(s): Climate change; Compliance and enforcement; Governance; Human/environmental health

Petitioner(s): A Canadian organization

Petitioner location(s): Gatineau, Quebec

Date received: 21 May 2024

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: The petition raises concerns about the Hunt Club Forest, a land owned by Transport Canada and leased to the Ottawa International Airport Authority. The petition claims there was a development application to construct a luxury car dealership parking lot on the forested land. The petition states that even after the withdrawal of the development application, the forest was clear-cut because the trees posed a safety risk to users, contradicting federal climate goals. The petition claims that forests and wetlands protect against noise, light, and pollutants generated by planes at the airport and provide a recreational space for the community. The petition goes on to explain that the government has repeatedly stated the importance of fighting climate change. The petition seeks clarification on how the removal of 4,000 trees from the Hunt Club Forest aligns with federal objectives to increase public access to green spaces in the fight against climate change. The petition asks whether the Minister of Transport will take steps to prevent leaseholders of federal property from acting with impunity when developing on ecologically sensitive lands.

The petition delves into the historical evolution of airport governance in Canada, claiming there was a shift from government control to privatization and the establishment of airport authorities. The petition seeks confirmation on whether the airport authority can be considered an arm’s‑length organization when it receives its operational mandate from the Minister of Transport. The petition questions whether the legislative structure of airport authorities allows Transport Canada to push a development-first mandate in contradiction with federal climate objectives.

The petition discusses the Minister of Transport’s introduction of Bill C‑52 in June 2023. The petition claims that while the bill would mandate airport authorities to have some climate responsibility, governance issues remain, and the bill does not address lack of community oversight and potential enforcement of climate plans. The petition questions whether the bill provides effective accountability for decisions on developing environmentally sensitive green spaces. Finally, the petition seeks amendments to Bill C‑52 and a review of Transport Canada’s National Airports Policy and the 2018 Airport Master Plan, which, the petition claims, labelled ecologically sensitive forest and wetlands as for development.

Federal departments/organizations responsible for reply: Transport Canada