An artistic rendering of the new LRT station at the VIA Terminal.
Ottawa, 17 August 2010 –Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit (OLRT) project is a big step closer to reality today, with the approval of the Environmental Assessment (EA) by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
“EA approval is a major milestone for this critical project.” said Mayor Larry O’Brien. “This, combined with $600M dollars in previously announced provincial funding, and matching support from the federal government, is a strong indication that the City’s light rail vision is on track.”
The EA examined the potential impact of the planned 12.5 kilometers of light rail transit line from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair Station, and a tunnel through the downtown. The City submitted a comprehensive Environmental Project Report to the province in June 2010. The report examines everything from noise and vibration levels to air and water quality and the preservation of vegetation, wildlife and local heritage sites along the planned route, such as the Rideau Canal.
The EA process included many opportunities for consultation with residents, businesses, Aboriginal groups, and provincial and federal departments. Having reviewed the plan and the input provided by stakeholders, the Ministry has approved the plan.
“The province’s approval of the OLRT project’s EA represents an important step to bringing this project to construction. This acknowledgement by our provincial partners that the City of Ottawa is on the right track with the current plan,” said Transit Committee Chair, Councillor Alex Cullen. “A rapid rail line through a downtown tunnel is the solution to Ottawa’s transit challenges and the project’s approval by the province is a significant step forward in making Ottawa’s LRT future a reality.”
Approval of the EA is a significant milestone towards securing the provincial contribution agreement and federal EA approval. Results of the EA will be incorporated into the City’s next steps for project implementation, including property acquisition and preliminary engineering.
View Statement of Completion (0.5MB PDF)
View Notice to Proceed (1MB PDF)
This project better become a reality and that city council and if a new Mayor gets into office, I hope that person sees the value and the necessity of light rail and the DOTT will have to the city. We are becoming a world class city with the new Convention centre well on the way to completion and other exciting things happening in the city. I am proud to live here and I promote my city whenever given the opportunity while travelling abroad. To let this drag on for another 20 yrs would be a huge set back on the road to a world class city as Ottawa is positioned to be. GO OTTAWA GO!!!!!!!
I agree with David, for this to be postponed while somone is in office looses interest in the project would be a grave disaster.
This project is allready costing money and if it were canceled it would certainly mean losing money, delaying any sort of mass transit another 5-10 years, and continue having one of the worst transit systems for a city of our size.
Please make this a reality, and ottaw should be presureing the Ontario and Federal Government for more funding for this and other rail projects. More Inter-municipal and provincial rail service, No more Highways!!!
Lets start thinking green!
I will be glad to see the LRT as a solution to public transit in the City of Ottawa..
There are no other solutions that provide the speed, efficiency and comfort, as rail systems.
Old rail methods combined with the new technology can be the greatest asset to the city and an example to all.
I am a train lover and wish that there will be more passenger rail service. (not less)
Thank you for the opportunity to express my opinion.
B. A.