Ottawa LRT commission set to begin public inquiry into breakdowns

The Ottawa Light Rail Transit Commission is set to hold its first public meeting on Wednesday, to hear from community members who have been impacted by O-Train breakdowns.

The commission, which was created by the province late last year, has a mandate to investigate the procurement background of the current light rail system in Ottawa, to determine what led to its infamous technical issues. It is headed by Justice William Hourigan, and among its participants are the City of Ottawa, the Amalgamated Transit Union 279, the Province of Ontario, Rideau Transit Group, and more. "All are significant players in the events that led to the construction and implementation of the Project, including in the tendering process, the construction of the Project, the decision to accept the light rail transit system, and the ongoing operation of the system," the commission's website says.

Two public meetings will be held this week, on Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26, at the Shaw Centre. These meetings are to get feedback from the public. These meetings will take place from 7-9 p.m. and will be live streamed on the commission's website, as well as broadcast on Rogers 22 for English and Rogers 23 for French.

Public hearings will be held June 13 to July 8 at the University of Ottawa's Ian G. Scott Courtroom, and will be open for the public and media to view. More details about these hearings will be posted on the commission's website.

Members of the public wishing to contact the commission can email info@OLRTpublicinquiry.ca or call 1-833-597-1955.