Ontario considering launching judicial review of Ottawa LRT, despite council’s rejection
Global News
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation said it is considering a judicial inquiry into Ottawa's Confederation Line LRT 'in an effort to protect taxpayers and transit riders.'
Ottawa city council may have decided not to pursue a judicial inquiry into its problem-plagued light-rail transit system on Wednesday, but the Ontario government has signalled a judge-led investigation is still in the cards as to what, if anything, has gone amiss in the project’s procurement.
A spokesperson for Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney confirmed to Global News Wednesday night that the province is considering launching a judicial inquiry or some other investigation, as the ministry is “increasingly concerned with the city’s ability to carry out future phases of work.”
“Given the size and scope of Stage 2, we need to have full confidence that the city will be able to successfully deliver. As a result, we are looking at options that will increase the province’s oversight of the project, in an effort to protect taxpayers and transit riders,” spokesperson Jordanna Colwill said in an emailed statement.
“This may include a judicial inquiry, a review by Ontario’s Auditor General and further measures that may require provincial legislation. All options are on the table.”
The Ontario government provided $600 million in funding to Stage 1 of Ottawa’s LRT construction and $1.2 billion for Stage 2.
The province recently issued a letter to the city threatening to hold back $60 million in funding if certain conditions related to the safe restoration of rail service following the Sept. 19 derailment were not met.
Ottawa’s LRT system is set to resume with partial service on Friday morning.