MAYOR'S MONTHLY: Showcasing the O-Train Confederation Line

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A monthly column written by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. _ As the holiday season becomes distant in the rear-view mirror, people begin to resume their usual rhythm. With that in mind, I am very excited to continuing to work towards our city’s future, while keeping perspective from the lessons of the past.

Ottawa is currently undertaking the single largest infrastructure project since Colonel By built the Rideau Canal. The Confederation Line project continues on-time and on-budget and I invite you to take a glimpse into Ottawa’s transit future.

I was excited to recently announce that we would be showcasing a full-sized replica of the Alstom CITADIS Spirit LRT trains that will run on the O-Train Confederation Line.

Beginning February 1st, until the end of March, you will be able to visit the train replica at the historic Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park from 8:00AM to 8:00PM, seven days a week. The train will be on display along with information about our vision and plans for light rail in Ottawa. The replica will be showcasing the innovative, fully accessible design and features of this world-class electric light rail vehicle.

Along with familiarising Ottawa’s future LRT riders, once the showcase has concluded, this replica will be used as a true-to-life training tool for train operators. An opportunity to use a replica such as this will ensure operators are able to provide riders with an unparalleled level of safety and expertise from the first day of service forward.

Whether you’re in the area to enjoy the Winterlude festivities, to shop, skate or enjoy the beautiful new Art Wall at Lansdowne Park, I encourage you to take the opportunity to visit the showcase.

As the O-Train Confederation Line grows, our city will be fundamentally transformed. The way our city moves and grows will benefit our economy, our environment, and our families for generations to come. Ottawa’s population is projected to grow 30 percent by 2031 and growing our transportation system along with it is essential to maintaining the sustainability and navigability of our city.

If you’d like to know more about this exciting project that continues to shape our city, visit www.confederationline.ca .