News Release
Published on August 13, 2021
Canada’s Capital Region — Following consultations with federal, provincial and municipal partners, as well as other key stakeholders, the National Capital Commission (NCC) has recently completed its analysis and provided a recommendation to the Government of Canada for the development and facilitation of the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO) tramway that would connect Gatineau and downtown Ottawa (via the Portage Bridge).
The NCC’s recommendation is that the STO tramway alignment into Ottawa take place along the surface of Wellington Street. Next steps to advance this potential project include further engagement with partners and implicated stakeholders and the coordination of studies to assess traffic, transit and other key considerations.
Quick Facts
- As the long-term planner and principal steward of Canada’s Capital Region, the NCC’s key policy directions for the next 50 years include developing and improving multi-modal and interprovincial transportation connections and transit integration across the Ottawa River and throughout the region.
- In January 2021, the NCC board of directors endorsed the new transit connection, with conditions, along Wellington Street, as it aligns with the long-term plans for Canada’s Capital, acts as an integral part of Confederation Boulevard, and represents a more affordable and technically sound solution than a tunnel.
- In the 2021 federal budget, the Government of Canada directed the NCC to create an interprovincial transit project office to study and plan for potential interprovincial tramway connections between Ottawa and Gatineau, in addition to consulting and collaborating with municipal, provincial, and transportation partners.
- The 2019 federal budget directed that the NCC develop the Long-Term Integrated Interprovincial Crossings Plan in collaboration with both provincial and municipal governments. Following two rounds of public consultation, the plan is expected to be completed in late 2021.
Quotes
“Investments in safe, modern, and efficient public transit systems are at the heart of a clean, inclusive recovery that restarts our economy and creates good jobs. We have an incredible opportunity to transform our community and make it the greenest capital in the world. The Government of Canada is in full support of the Gatineau Tramway and is pleased with the National Capital Commission’s recommendation for a surface tramway design to link the west end of Gatineau to downtown Ottawa, allowing us to continue working with the Government of Quebec and City of Gatineau to advance this important project. The Gatineau Tramway will connect regional public transit networks, reduce travel times, and help people get around in a cleaner, more affordable way.”
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“The Gatineau tramway project will transform Canada’s capital region. Workers, tourists, students, retirees, and residents will have quick and easy access to both sides of the Ottawa River. In so many ways, the Gatineau tramway project is the way of the future. This is a huge step forward.”
– Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull-Aylmer and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
“Given the many projects currently under way in Canada’s Capital Region, the proposed interprovincial tram system via Wellington Street offers a unique opportunity to enhance the natural and cultural character of Canada’s Capital for generations to come while contributing greatly to the municipal transit networks of both Ottawa and Gatineau.”
– Tobi Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer, National Capital Commission
Links
Media Information
Mario Tremblay
NCC Media Relations
613-859-9596 (cellular)
Mario.tremblay@ncc-ccn.ca