Current rail transit expansion should continue, says mayor
Municipal transportation projects, including the multibillion-dollar rail expansion to the OC Transpo network, shouldn’t be stopped under the new construction restrictions ordered Friday by the Ontario government, Mayor Jim Watson said.
Premier Doug Ford announced that some construction activity would be halted, including nonessential projects and residential projects that had not yet received building permits. Projects related to transportation and public transit could continue.
Transit projects, like the City of Ottawa’s $4.6-billion Stage 2 O-Train expansion, should continue to have a green light under the new rules.
It’s not clear, however, if the COVID -19 pandemic has affected contractors building the Confederation Line and Trillium Line extensions.
During a telephone briefing with reporters, Watson said he was scheduled to receive an update next week on whether there had been any delays in the Stage 2 program.
Major city road projects should also be protected, Watson said, pointing to planned work on Rideau Street and Montreal Road.
“We want to make sure the workers are safe and secure when they’re doing their work, and that’s why we’re working with the Ottawa Construction Association to ensure that any contractor that we hire follows all of the rules and regulations to ensure the employees are as safe as possible,” Watson said.
The city will also be interested in the financial health of the Ottawa International Airport.
The airport announced Friday it was pausing capital spending during the pandemic as revenues dwindle.
The airport is a key partner for the city in the Stage 2 project since the Trillium Line is being extended to the terminal, which will be the end of a spur line. The airport has been planning to build the terminus station, part of a $25-million contribution to the Trillium Line project.
Krista Kealey, the airport’s vice-president of communications and public affairs, said in an email there was no “firm delay” on the project, since it was not scheduled to begin until later this year. It depends on how long the health crisis lasts and what the recovery looks like, Kealey said.
“It’s not business as usual,” Kealey said.
City management continues to adjust municipal services as physical-distancing protocols grow stronger.
The city appears prepared to make a decision about permits that have been issued for municipal spaces for the coming months. Watson said information on the status of the permits and city events would be available Monday. The City of Toronto, for example, has cancelled permits in that city until June 30.
Watson on Friday continued to talk tough about people illegally gathering in parks despite a provincial order banning social gatherings of more than five people in public spaces.
City parks are closed, except for paths used to walk through them. It’s time to start writing tickets in areas where bylaw officers have seen heavy call volumes, Watson said.
An individual fine starts at $880, which includes a victim surcharge. Until now, bylaw officers have avoided fines in favour of educating people.
Bylaw services received another 171 calls Thursday about people not staying away from each other, Watson said.
According to the mayor, one bylaw officer issued 50 verbal warnings at Mooney’s Bay on Wednesday after issuing 20 there on Tuesday. The officer ended up wrapping the outdoor workout equipment in caution tape, Watson said.
Calls continue to come in about people using basketball courts and skateboard parks despite notices that those areas are closed.
“I think people have to get a kick in the pants and a kick in the pocketbook to understand that this is serious and we’re not fooling around anymore,” Watson said.