$600M for Ottawa's light rail

The federal and Ontario governments are joining forces with the city to provide $600 million to expand Ottawa's light-rail service.

Mayor Bob Chiarelli was joined by Premier Dalton McGuinty and federal Defence Minister David Pratt for Friday's announcement, billed as the biggest intergovernmental investment in the city's history.

"This investment will help us build strong, well-planned communities that provide a high quality of life," said McGuinty in a news release. "It is a great example of the City of Ottawa's smart growth management plan put into action."

The project will cost each level of government $200 million, and allow the city to expand its light-rail system from downtown Ottawa, around the airport and west to Barrhaven.

The first phase of the O-Train expansion, from LeBreton to Limebank, will cost $300 million.

• RELATED LINK: Light Rail Transit - North-South LRT Priority Project, from the City of Ottawa

The two senior levels of government have committed another $100 million each for the remaining later phases.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said that means fewer cars on crowded roads in and around the capital.

• RELATED FROM APRIL 8, 2004: Council approves light-rail expansion study (east-west line)

The money is conditional on the light-rail phases passing environmental assessments and proving their viability through ridership studies.