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The governments of Canada and Quebec announced a joint investment of $163.5 million for the planning phase of the structuring electric public transit project between the west of Gatineau and downtown Ottawa.
“This joint investment finances the essential studies for a structuring transportation project in Gatineau, aimed at meeting the present and future mobility needs of Gatineau and Ottawa residents with a reliable, high-performance public transit service. By improving access to jobs, businesses and post-secondary educational institutions, it will also boost the attractiveness of surrounding neighbourhoods, encouraging the creation and densification of housing,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
The $98.1 million granted by the Government of Quebec and the $65.4 million granted by the Government of Canada will be used to further studies on the Quebec portion of the project. These include the environmental impact assessment, the preliminary design, as well as planning activities related to the engineering of the preparatory work. Their conclusions will be used to determine, among other things, the number and location of stations and the choice of rolling stock, as well as to specify the timetable and potential cost for construction of the project.
“Our government continues to invest in structuring projects to support sustainable mobility throughout Quebec. Thanks to this investment, our teams will be able to continue their work to deliver the best project to meet the needs of the population. The eventual implementation of an electric public transit system in the region will enhance sustainable mobility and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
This structuring project would meet the present and future mobility needs of residents of the cities of Gatineau and Ottawa by offering a reliable, high-performance public transit service that promotes connectivity to employment, commercial and university hubs.
“On behalf of all Outaouais MPs, and as president of the Outaouais caucus, I would like to express our great satisfaction with this announcement. The tramway represents an immense potential for transforming not only mobility in Gatineau, but also land-use planning. We have invested a great deal of effort in making our city a model of sustainable and prosperous development. The pre-project study is a key milestone. We are committed to working together to secure funding for the Ottawa side of the river as well. Once the study is complete, we’ll be ready to put shovels in the ground and turn this ambitious vision of a structuring transportation system for the city of Gatineau into reality,” said Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac.
“We are delighted with today’s announcement, which will enable us to continue our studies with a view to equipping the region with a tramway system. The studies have proven it. With strong population growth in western Gatineau, we need a tramway to meet the travel needs of the next 30 to 50 years. Since last summer, the project office has picked up the pace to be ready to start all the processes as soon as the funding is announced. I can confirm that we are ready to move forward. Over the next 12 months, we’ll be issuing the first calls for tender, including the one for professional services, in order to begin the technical and environmental studies,” said Edmond Leclerc, vice president of the Board of Directors, Société de transport de l’Outaouais. |
