O-Train out of service in Ottawa's east end as cold temperatures impact train power
OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Maintenance says this extended period of very cold temperatures impacted power to the Confederation Line Saturday morning, causing five trains to stop and shutting down service in the east end.
The transit service reported "local power grid issues" along the Confederation Line disrupted service between Blair and Hurdman stations just after 7 a.m. R1 replacement bus service has been running since between the stations, while reduced O-Train service continued between Hurdman and Tunney's Pasture stations.
In a memo to transit commissioners and council Saturday afternoon, OC Transpo said some of the trains in service experienced a loss of power in the eastern portion of the line at approximately 7 a.m.
"As a precautionary safety measure and according to standard operating procedures, five trains came to a stop along the line," said the memo.
"As the investigation and repairs are ongoing, these trains will remain stopped until they can be safely removed from the line."
OC Transpo says customers onboard the stopped trains were able to exit the vehicles at a station.
Environment Canada reported a low of -29C at 5 a.m., with the wind chill making it feel like -37. The Twitter account YOW_Weather reported the wind chill of -39 at 8 a.m. was the coldest wind chill recorded in Ottawa in three years.
Rideau Transit Maintenance has deployed technicians to assess the line.
"Based on initial inspections, it appears the extended period of very cold temperatures affected the overhead catenary line impacting power to trains," said the memo.
Three trains are currently providing service every 15 minutes between Tunney's Pasture and Hurdman stations. R1 bus service has been implemented between Hurdman and Blair stations.
OC Transpo says service along the Confederation Line is likely to be impacted throughout the day.
"We are working with RTM to restore normal service for Sunday," said OC Transpo.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.