Downtown road project headlines 2023 construction season in Ottawa
It's officially construction season in Ottawa.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and several councillors held an event Monday morning to kick off the 2023 construction season, which will see $800 million spent on projects across Ottawa.
"These investments in our infrastructure come at a crucial time, supporting Ottawa’s rapid growth. Thank you to the residents for their continued patience and support during the bustling construction season that lies ahead," Sutcliffe said.
Major Construction Projects in Ottawa in 2023.
Sutcliffe, who ran on a campaign to improve roads and infrastructure, says the budget is enough to cover the projects planned.
"We are on track and there are always challenges with construction projects, but there are contingencies built into the budgets," he said. "It is May 2023 and its almost June so a lot of the factors that would throw off schedules and lead to higher expenses we would know already. There are always going to be surprises and challenges with construction projects, we know that. But I am confident that we can achieve what we need to with the budget that has been set out for 2023."
Sutcliffe says there is not one part of the city that will be more impacted by construction that others. He acknowledges that this will cause an impact to get across the city and on many people's commutes.
"Whenever there is construction there is going to be impacts; that is only natural. We all want the results of the improvements, but we don't want the hassles," Sutcliffe said. "I heard loud and clear during last year's election campaign that people want to see improvements to public infrastructure, to cycling lanes, and to sidewalks and roads in our community. So, this is part of the price we have to pay. There is a financial price and there is a price associated with disruption and we will get through it together. And then we will be able to enjoy all the benefits of all the hard work that gets done."
Of the $800 million set to be spent on construction this year, $136 million will go toward road rehabilitation. A $245.9 million price tag is set for integrated road-water-sewer reconstruction projects, $47 million of which will be spent on the reconstruction of Albert, Queen, and Slater streets and Bronson Avenue. It will include the replacement of aging sewers and watermains, and allow for combined sewer separation, which the city says would reduce the potential for combined sewer overflows and basement flooding in the area.
"The work being done here at the reconstruction of Albert, Queen, Slater and Bronson is one of many projects across the city that will see the renewal of aging infrastructure combined with new finishing elements designed to offer increased safety, comfort and mobility for all users," said transportation committee chair Coun. Tim Tierney. "This extensive corridor in a busy part of our city is on track for completion in the fall of 2024."
Coun. Ariel Troster, who represents the Albert and Slater area, says she is looking forward to the new street.
"I am particularly excited because we will see raised cycling tracks here on Slater Street and also on Albert," she said. "It is going to be a really beautiful transition to the new library and from all of the new development that is going to be happening at Lebreton Flats."
Construction season will also include $34.4 million worth of projects on bridges, $61 million for buildings and parks, $7.7 million for sidewalks and pathways, and $15.7 million for culverts. This does not include projects such as Stage 2 LRT or the joint Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada facility Ādisōke.
According to the city of Ottawa's website, other projects planned this summer include road resurfacing along Hunt Club Road, Moodie Drive between Carling Avenue and Corkstown Road, Carling Avenue from March Road to Shirley's Bay Complex, and sections of Catherine Street, Gladstone Avenue, Island Park Drive and Preston Street.
There will also be construction to replace the Samuel Fisher Bridge, over the Middle Castor River along 9th Line Road.
Other projects that are ongoing include:
- Ādisōke
- Bank Street renewal
- Carlington Heights Pumping Station upgrade
- Chief William Commanda Bridge
- Greenfield/Main/Hawthorne reconstruction
- Montreal Road revitalization
- Stage 2 Light Rail (O-Train construction)
- Strandherd Drive widening
--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Leah Larocque.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post
Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.'
Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton.
Banks lower prime rates following Bank of Canada move
Canadian financial institutions are lowering their prime lending rates to match the decrease announced by the Bank of Canada.
Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment
Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of 'man-made holes and tunnels' during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week.
Luxury real estate brokers charged in federal indictment with sex trafficking in NYC
Two luxury real estate brokers and their brother have been charged with luring, drugging and violently raping dozens of women over more than a decade.
Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says
The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study.
What happens next with Alex Jones' Infowars? No certainty yet after sale to The Onion is rejected
The Onion's rejected purchase of Infowars in an auction bid supported by families of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting dealt them a new setback Wednesday and clouded the future of Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform, which is now poised to remain in his control for at least the near future.
Canada Post strike: Talks deadlocked as sides clash on wages
Negotiations between Canada Post and the union representing its workers appear to be in a deadlock as the two sides remain far apart on wages and other issues.