Confederation Line among best rail/transit projects in the Americas

The Confederation Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has been presented the Silver Award for Best Rail/Transit Project in the Americas.

The award was established by P3 bulletin – a magazine and website centred on public-private sector partnerships aimed at procuring, building and managing public infrastructure – and presented on October 23 in New York City. Ottawa’s LRT project stood out among a host of projects and companies across Canada, the United States of America and Latin America.

“This is another proud day for Ottawa and for the Confederation Line,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “It is another in a string of international awards that are a testament to the City’s partnership with the Rideau Transit Group and help to reinforce this innovative project as one that will transform the way we live, move and grow the economy in Ottawa.”

The Confederation Line was recognized for meeting and exceeding project milestones. A panel of 50 judges noted that the project combined an iconic design with the functional needs of Ottawa’s first light rail line. They described it as a “very compelling” and innovative project that hits the mark in a number of areas of good practice for P3 initiatives.

“Rideau Transit Group (RTG) is honoured to receive this partnership award together with the City of Ottawa,” said Antonio Estrada, CEO of RTG. “The Confederation Line reflects a successful P3 model for significant transit infrastructure projects in the Americas, and we are proud to be recognized by the industry.”

The City of Ottawa would also like to congratulate the Government of Nunavut on receiving the Gold Award for the Iqaluit International Airport Improvement Project.

The Confederation Line is a $2.1 billion project that is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa. The Government of Canada is contributing $600 million through the Building Canada Fund. The City of Ottawa will also allocate up to $161.5 million of its federal Gas Tax Fund transfers to this project. The Government of Ontario is contributing up to $600 million. In addition, the City of Ottawa will allocate $287 million of Provincial Gas Tax revenues to the capital infrastructure. The remaining project budget funds will come from development charge revenues and transit reserves.

The project is the first stage in Ottawa’s future rail network. The 12.5-kilometre electric light rail system replaces existing diesel powered buses, providing rapid transit between Blair Station in the east and Tunney’s Pasture in the west. The route includes 13 stations and a 2.5-kilometre tunnel that will alleviate congestion through the downtown core. For more information, visit http://ottawa.ca/confederationline .