Ottawa's Stage 2 LRT receives billion-dollar provincial backing
The provincial government of Ontario, Canada has committed up to C$1.208 billion (US$900 million) in funding to Ottawa's Stage 2 Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. On March 6, the Ottawa City Council approved the Stage 2 LRT project, which is an ambitious plan to expand the O-Train network in order to bring 77 percent of the city’s population within five kilometers (3.1 miles) of rail.
"Building a quality transit system is a big step forward in making sure Ottawa is open for business and open for jobs," said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. "The people of this great city deserve a world-class transportation system that gets both them and the economy moving. This investment puts people first."
The network will see 44 kilometers (27.3 miles) of rail and 24 new stations added to the south, east and west. The expansions will be completed in phases with the Trillium Line south extension scheduled for completion in 2022, and the Confederation Line east and west extensions are scheduled for completion in 2024 and 2025.
"I am very appreciative that the government of Ontario is investing with us to make Stage 2 LRT a reality for the residents of Ottawa," said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. "Stage 2 will extend our LRT network to communities farther east, west and south. It will bring 77 percent of Ottawa residents within five kilometres of fast, efficient, clean and reliable rail service."
Stage 2 is funded by the Government of Canada, the province of Ontario and the city of Ottawa. The total project cost is C$4.6 billion (US$3.45 billion).
"The Ontario government is a strong supporter of public transit," said Jeff Yurek, Ontario Minister of Transportation. "The Ottawa Stage 2 LRT construction project will transform the way residents and commuters travel within the City of Ottawa. The new LRT will shorten commute times, and help people get to work, school or appointments quickly and conveniently — and, just as importantly, help people get back home to their families at the end of the day. It will also help Ontario's economy by creating more jobs in the construction industry."
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
