It's official: City finally takes control of LRT

The City of Ottawa has officially taken over the $2.1-billion LRT system, paving the way for the public launch of the Confederation Line on Sept. 14.

• LRT line to open Sept. 14
• Analysis: Did the city move the goalposts for accepting LRT?

The handover comes more than 460 days later than the original deadline of May 24, 2018.

Rideau Transit Group (RTG), the consortium building the Confederation Line,submitted its final paperwork last week. On Friday, the city said it had passed on the documents to its independent auditors for final review.

On Tuesday morning, the city's transportation manager, John Manconi, sent a memo to council to announce the "revenue service availability" a milestone that indicates that the LRT is ready for public use.

Sept. 14 launch

The milestone means the city must make itsfinal$202-million payment to RTG.

City officials havesaid they'll hold back a significant portionofthat paymentincluding$4million in penalties for four missed deadlines, and approximately $32million for detours and other costs.

"That's the leverage we have. Whether that ends up in court, who knows," said Mayor Jim Watson on Tuesday, adding he hopes fora mediated settlement.

"We want to make sure the expenses we've incurred as a result of their delays are not borne by the taxpayers."

For now, Watson is looking ahead to opening day. The public can ride the rails as of2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14.

"I've been asked all weekend, 'Are you sure it's Sept. 14?'" Watson said."We're going to be ready, or I'll be run out of town on [a rail], I think."