$612M transportation wish list for Ottawa

The City of Ottawa unveiled a $612-million, 20-item transit wish list on Friday of projects targeted for completion within the next five years.

While the projects cover all of Ottawa, the bulk of the work and expenditures would be focused on the rapidly expanding southern part of the city to extend bus transitways andO-Train service, thecurrent north-south light-rail system.

Other projectsinclude road widening,bus shelter improvements, the construction of more Park and Ride stations, and the use of smart cards for fares. Pending funding from the provincial and federal governments, construction could begin as early as spring 2008.

The wish list is intended to help provide Ottawa with immediate transit solutions after the December cancellation ofthe city's$1-billion light-rail transit project.

"These transportation and transit projects could improve customer service for transit passengers, ease congestion along the Queensway, create new connection between the communities of Barrhaven and Riverside South, address critical issues along Rideau Street, or address other priority needs," Mayor Larry O'Brien said in a press release.

Projects need federal, provincial funding

The city said the projects, with a total cost of $612 million,will need funding from the upper levels of government.

O'Brien said he was optimistic the city would receive the necessary money.

"I am hopeful that our federal and provincial partners will support these important transportation and transit projects," he said.

Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager of Planning, Transit and the Environment, said the city hopes to capitalize on a $400-million commitment from provincial and federal governments, due to run out in 2013.

She said the next step is for the city to consult the public and finalize a detailed official plan for 2009.