City staff stressed ahead of LRT launch, inquiry hears, but rail director denies pressure
The city’s director of rail operations pushed back against claims political pressure led to the LRT being launched before it was ready during the third week of testimony at the public inquiry into the problem-plagued system.
“No, never,” said Michael Morgan in response to questions by city counsel Peter Wardle.
Morgan testified Monday about the rough start to trial running of the trains and about the loss of trust and confidence with Rideau Transit Group (RTG) being able to deliver the system.
“We would look at the state of the stations, the state of the fleet and none of it was ready,” Morgan said. “And so it became this kind of conflict where what we saw on the ground wasn’t matching what they were telling us. And so that was probably the biggest challenge for the project was just the lack of understanding of when the project was going to be finished.”
“How would you describe the city’s confidence at the time of launch of the system?” asked co-lead counsel Christine Mainville. “It was measured,” Morgan replied.
Two days before launch in September 2019, former OC Transpo boss John Manconi texted ‘cancellation of launch is not an option’ asking for plans b c and d after issues persisted.
“I don’t know what caused him to send this note but he’s always planning for a contingency scenario,” Morgan said.
Instances like a 10-hour radio reset and trains late to launch were among the issues prompting Manconi to text earlier that they were “stressing me out. Can you guys tell me if we were in service what would the impact be? Would customers be stuck? Transferring transit? Delays? Etc?"
High-powered consultant Brian Guest also testified Tuesday and was hammered over optics. His company Boxfish was paid around $600,000
“So at the time you got the light rail project contract in 2011, your bother-in law was the chief of staff to Ms. Schepers and your sister was working for Mr. Kirkpatrick?” asked co-lead counsel John Adair.
“That’s correct,” Guest replied.
“And do you agree with me now sir that the circumstances under which you got this contract at least raise some questions about how you came to have the engagement?” Adair countered.
“I don’t. I understand that’s what you’re implying but I don’t think there’s any substance.”
Manconi is set to testify Tuesday afternoon. The commission will also hear from the former CEO of Rideau Transit Group and Mayor Jim Watson later this week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.