NCC head expresses interest in rail loop
Circular interprovincial transit system using two crossings a long-standing idea
Advocates for a rail loop connecting the central areas of Hull and Ottawa might have an ally in National Capital Commission CEO Tobi Nussbaum.
Nussbaum wrote an opinion piece, published in Monday's Citizen, that certainly doesn't derail the idea, though he notes there would be significant challenges.
“However, if these important considerations can be met, a completed transit loop would be an inheritance to our children of not just better connections, but a more inspirational capital,” Nussbaum wrote.
Supporters of the Loop, a group of businesses leaders and former politicians brought together by former NCC board member Bob Plamondon, says now is the time to seriously consider a long-standing idea to create a circular transit system using two interprovincial crossings along with Wellington Street in Ottawa and Laurier Street in Gatineau.
The vision would have trains from Gatineau cross into Ottawa at the Portage Bridge, travel east through the parliamentary precinct, head north on an undetermined corridor to cross the Alexandra Bridge and go west on Laurier Street in Gatineau back to the Portage Bridge.
Nailing down the NCC's support is critical since the agency has regional responsibilities that traverse the Ottawa River and has taken an interest in interprovincial transit. The NCC also has a duty to approve development on federal land.
As Nussbaum points out, the stars could be aligning because of the number and scope of transportation projects underway, and they're all related to interprovincial transportation.
Société de transport de l'Outaouais is planning a tram system between west Gatineau and Ottawa's parliamentary precinct, either by using Wellington Street for surface rail or building a tunnel under Sparks Street.
The cheaper Wellington Street option could be a piece of the envisioned loop.
And since the NCC is already studying the replacement of the aging Alexandra Bridge, it's an opportunity to design a new crossing with rail infrastructure.
Nussbaum also references an important NCC study looking into interprovincial transportation and the potential requirement for another crossing.
“Together, these projects and plans offer us a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be visionary in our planning and bold in our implementation,” Nussbaum wrote.
There are already several competing transit priorities in the Ottawa-Gatineau region that will require federal money.
The STO tram between Aylmer and downtown Ottawa would cost more than $3 billion.
The City of Ottawa has a completed study to extend LRT to Kanata at Stittsville for $1.85 billion and council is on the verge of approving a $3-billion route to extend LRT to Barrhaven. Both LRT extensions aren't funded.
There hasn't been a cost attached to the loop idea.