Question Period Note: OTTAWA LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT

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About

Reference number:
INFC-072020-INFC-0013
Date received:
Dec 5, 2019
Organization:
Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Name of Minister:
McKenna, Catherine (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

Issue/Question:

To address concerns relating to the Ottawa Light Rail Transit.

Suggested Response:

  • Infrastructure that contributes to a cleaner, greener environment and a better quality of life for Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada.

  • That is why we were pleased to invest in the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project.

  • As with any major and transformational construction project, the LRT has seen challenges. We have every confidence in the City of Ottawa’s ability to address these challenges and continue to improve the service for Ottawa-Gatineau residents.

Background:

Stage 1

  • In 2010 the Government of Canada announced an investment of $600 million under the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC) for Stage 1 of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Project. The remainder of the funding was split evenly amongst the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa (the City). Canada and the City entered into a Contribution Agreement for the Project on December 19, 2012.

  • Stage 1 involves the construction of a 12.5 km electric Light Rail Transit system running from Tunney's Pasture to Blair Station, which includes a 3.2 km of tunnel through the downtown core with 13 stations as well as a maintenance and storage facility located on Belfast Road.

  • Service to the public began on September 14, 2019. This represents a delay of approximately 16 months from its original substantial completion date of May 24, 2018.

Stage 2

  • In June 2017, the Prime Minister announced an investment of approximately $1.091 billion under the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial and Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects (NBCF-PTIC-NRP) for Stage 2 of the OLRT Project.

  • Infrastructure Canada is also contributing an additional $66.35 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) towards projects associated with Stage 2, such as planning and the purchase of additional light rail vehicles. Other funding partners include the Province of Ontario, which is contributing approximately $1.2 billion, and the City of Ottawa which will fund the balance of costs.

  • Stage 2 will add approximately 40 km of rail and 23 new or converted stations, bringing 70% of the City’s population within 5km of rail. This additional work is split across two lines: 1) Confederation Line (East-West) with construction going from October 2019 until mid-2025; and 2) Trillium Line (North-South) with construction going from July 2019 until August 2022.

Delays and Costs Overruns

  • The completion of stage one was delayed in part due to the sinkhole event of June 2016, and because the Rideau Transit Group was delayed in delivering the vehicles.

  • Since its opening, the LRT has experienced various issues from problems with switches, ticket machines and doors to the train control and monitoring system, often causing crowded platforms, escalators and concourses – all of which contributed to long delays along the Confederation Line.

  • On December 2, 2019, OC Transpo added 20 new buses on permanent standby to help shuttle passengers during LRT shutdowns. Moreover, the City withheld $2.8 million from its October payment to RTG as a penalty for the poor performance. The City also put in place a number of measures including leaving doors open longer for boarding, additional OC Transpo employees on site and station announcements about proper LRT behaviour.

Additional Information:

None