Reshaping Ottawa’s transit network
The City of Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) program represents the largest infrastructure initiative in the city’s history, improving connectivity while expanding transit-oriented development (TOD). Consisting of two distinct projects, the overall program delivers a total of 56.5 kilometres of new rail track, three new lines and 36 new stations.
Stage One included a 12.5-kilometre, 13-station LRT line which replaced a Rapid Bus Transit system between Blair Station in the city’s east end and Tunney’s Pasture Station in the west end. A 2.5-kilometre tunnel running under the downtown core alleviates longstanding congestion challenges and integrates three underground stations within or nearby popular tourist attractions. TOD was a central focus to help maximize ridership. The city integrated station entrances with mixed-use developments and improved streetscapes to support active transportation.
Stage Two of the LRT program will expand Ottawa’s transit network with three major extensions that add 28 kilometres to the existing East-West Confederation Line and 16 kilometres to the new Trillium Line South. A total of 24 new stations will also be added as part of Stage Two, bringing 77 percent of residents within five kilometres of the city’s light rail services.
Quick Facts
Ottawa’s LRT program delivers 56.5 km of new rail line and 36 stations across two projects, connecting communities and transforming mobility throughout the capital.
Stages One and Two integrate station entrances with mixed-use developments, improve streetscapes and support transit-oriented growth, helping shape Ottawa’s urban future.
Our team provided program management and project controls, equipping the city with the governance, tools and expertise to deliver this complex infrastructure program.
Supplementing expertise
During Stage One of Ottawa’s LRT program, our team supported the city’s Rail Implementation Office with program management and project controls across the full project lifecycle – from early planning and design through construction, commissioning and handover of the Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) contract. Working as part of the city’s integrated project team, we established financial management frameworks, cost-tracking tools and governance processes, while also overseeing risk, schedule, submittals, variations and contracts to support project delivery.
Learning from challenges and successes, we continue to support the city through Stage Two with focused commercial, schedule management and advisory services. Our team works closely with city staff and project partners to interpret project agreements, support change and variation processes and help resolve contractual matters. We also provide schedule oversight and advisory support, helping the city track progress, assess trends, identify risks and mitigation measures, and maintain alignment across this complex, multi-stakeholder program.
Major, multi-year transit programs demand clarity, consistency and multidisciplinary coordination. Our experts integrate seamlessly with the municipal teams, expanding their capacity, developing program frameworks, and filling any gaps to maintain momentum and support the program to completion.
Stage Two of Ottawa’s LRT project is transforming the city’s transit network. With new extensions nearing completion, the program is reshaping our nations capital – fueling transit-oriented development, supporting economic growth and advancing sustainable mobility. Once finished, the expanded LRT network will strengthen city-wide connectivity, ease congestion and position Ottawa for longer-term growth.
