Want to take part in the RHVP inquiry? Now's your chance

Applications to take part in public hearings as part of themultimillion-dollar Red Hill Valley Parkway Inquiry are officiallyopen.

For the next monthJustice Herman Wilton-Seigelwill accept applications from any person or group who can help fulfil the inquiry's mandate or have "substantial and direct interest" in the investigation into how adamning friction testingreport stayed buriedfor six years, according to a media release.

Wilton-Seigel is acting as commissioner for the inquiry. He's charged with investigatinghow and why the public only learned in February abouta 2013 report from TradewindScientific that showedparts of the highway were belowUK safety standards for friction and in some cases, well below.

The study, which used UK standards because none exist for North America, stayed in a locked folder on the city's network for years.

Shortly after news of the report brokethecity apologized,immediately lowered the speed limit andexpedited resurfacing this past spring.

The City of Hamilton also called for the inquiry to investigate how the report remained buried.

Those who apply will be able to participate in "some or all parts of the inquiry on the terms set by the Commissioner," the media release reads.

It addsWilton-Seigelcan't direct the city to provide funding for legal counsel to anyone, but applicants can request he consider recommending financial support if he believes their participation would be helpful and couldn't happen otherwise.

Applications toparticipate or ask for funding must be sent, along with supporting materials, torcenta@rhvpi.ca by noon on Nov.29.

The media release says if the commissioner believes oral submissions are necessary a hearing will be held in January 2020.