The Mackenzie King Bridge is a series of four independent structures with a total length of over 500 metres. It carries six lanes of traffic, including two dedicated transit lanes, and two sidewalks. In 1992, the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton implemented a Transportation Operational Study to review the role of the crossing to meet competing user needs, prior to undertaking the structural rehabilitation work on behalf of the current owners. The bridge is a critical link in the Region's transportation network, as it is one of only three crossings providing passage across the Rideau Canal in the Central Business District (CBD) of Ottawa and it provides a critical link in the Region's transitway system. Region's transitway system. This paper describes the public consultation program that was developed. Its objectives were to involve all those wishing to participate in the study and to provide a framework for obtaining and distributing information, understanding stakeholders, discussing issues, building consensus and ensuring follow-up. It also outlines the conclusions that resulted from this public consultation program.
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