CTV Ottawa has learned the federal government will commit up to $1 billion for Stage 2 of Ottawa’s light rail transit plan.
Ottawa-Orléans MP Royal Galipeau sent a letter to Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson on Wednesday, saying “I am pleased to express this government’s intent to support the City of Ottawa’s Stage 2 light rail transit (LRT) project with a contribution of up to one-third, approximately one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000), once a formal application has been received and approved.”
The second stage will extend east to Place d’ Orléans, west to Bayshore and South to Riverside South. It would add nearly 30 kilometres of new rail and 19 new stations.
In a statement, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said “I am delighted that the Government of Canada has indicated that it will provide $1 billion in funding for Ottawa’s Stage 2 light rail transit project. We have created an excellent partnership for the Confederation Line, and I am pleased this will continue as we work to extend LRT farther east, west and south with Stage 2.”
Stage 1 of the LRT project is expected to fully roll out in 2018.
