Ottawa (November 10, 2008) - On May 28, 2008 City Council approved, by a vote of 19-4, a citywide Rapid Transit Network that offers a long-term, rail-based transit vision for Ottawa that builds from the core-out and addresses congestion with the use of a downtown tunnel. Council also passed a motion to complete a quantified financial risk assessment of the approved network, including a detailed examination of the risks surrounding the Ottawa River Parkway and those related to the construction of a downtown tunnel.

The risk assessment, conducted by KPMG, was completed in consultation with City staff through a series of workshops. It focuses on a full range of possible risks to the entire rapid transit network, including the following components:

Overall, the assessment concludes that the City is in a good position to protect itself against the risks related to the transit plan, and, in fact, that the City has already undertaken some of the measures suggested.

1. Ottawa River Parkway and alternative alignments
2. Downtown tunnel
3. Transfer stations
4. Transitway conversion to rail

The outcome of the assessment is a detailed risk matrix identifying potential risks, probability of occurrence, overall impact, and where possible, associated cost-estimates. As well, the assessment includes a strategy that identifies actions to prevent and respond to the occurrence of identified risks. Finally, it helps identify what parts of the overall transit network should be constructed first given the identified risk factors.

The assessment contains general recommendations pertaining to the:

• Overall phasing of the plan, including ordering of projects based on risk
• Identification of any additional study requirements -- such as the need to develop a 10-year rolling capital and operating plan to support implementation, including an assessment of alternative fiscal tools

Further recommendations include:

• Seek federal and provincial government approval in principle of the program as a whole, with early commitment to priority projects
• Examine a range of light rail transit (LRT) procurement options and approaches, and determine the go-forward strategy early
• Conduct the environmental assessment for the western corridor LRT line at an early date to fully consider the Ottawa Parkway and all available options.
• Consider using an earth pressure balance machine for tunnel construction

The risk assessment underscores the City’s commitment to the successful planning of this major infrastructure plan. This assessment provides Council with a clear, complete and detailed understanding of the risks surrounding key components of the new Rapid Transit Network.

For more information:
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