Residents of Ottawa's suburbs said they're excited with the idea of light rail in their communities in the future following approval of the $2.1 billion project downtown.
The project as approved will run from Tunney's Pasture in the west to Blair Road in the east, and people living in Kanata and Orleans said they'd like the chance to use an extended line to get downtown.
"I would love for the train to come out to Kanata," said one resident. "It's high time the west end be given more priority than they are."
"I'd be excited to use it downtown, and eventually out to the suburbs to get home at night," another said.
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said the day could come for an extension.
"We know everyone wants light rail in their communities which is a good thing," he said. "But realistically we have to start somewhere, and you start in the core and you work your way out."
Some councillors said if the original plan stays on budget, there's potential to get light rail to the suburbs.
"If the private sector does come in at $2.1 billion, then we're going to be able to look at expanding to Orleans," said Cumberland ward councillor Stephen Blais. "We won't know that until the end of next year when we open up the envelopes.
Blais' website said his motion to do a feasibility study on light rail to Orleans was passed, but the city's 2008 transportation master plan said there probably won't be any until after 2031.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Claudia Cautillo
