International acclaim for the O-Train

Ottawa – During a presentation prior to today’s City Council meeting at City Hall, Mayor Bob Chiarelli accepted the Ontario chapter’s American Public Works Association (APWA) 2002 Public Works Project of the Year award for the O-Train, Ottawa’s light rail project.  

“Light rail is a smarter way to provide public transportation in our city,” said Mayor Chiarelli. “It embodies the principles of our smart growth strategies and offers a glimpse into the future of public transportation in Ottawa.” 

Terry Hardy, Director of the Ontario chapter of the APWA, and President of the Ainley Group, presented a plaque to the Mayor, who shared the honour with John Douglas, Manager of Transportation Services with Morrison Hershfield, and John Falcetta, Commercial Corridor Manager with Canadian Pacific Railway. The O-Train qualified for the award in the transportation category for projects of more than $10 million. 

The APWA is an international, educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services. Its headquarters are in Kansas City, Missouri, but the association has 67 chapters throughout North America. The awards program was established to promote excellence in the management and administration of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, consultants, and contractors who collaborate to complete public works projects. 

The O-Train became the first light rail system of its kind in North America when it made its debut on October 15, 2001. With its single operator rail system, it takes advantage of an existing rail line and interacts with other rail traffic. More than 6,300 passengers ride the Bombardier-made O-Train daily.
     

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