Despite the decision by the Ottawa city council not to pursue a judicial inquiry into its problem-plagued light-rail transit system, 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.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney confirmed 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.
The statement added that “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.”
It should be noted that the Ontario government provided $600 million in funding to Stage 1 of Ottawa’s LRT construction and $1.2 billion for Stage 2.
Recall that 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.
Reports said Ottawa city council considered a motion from Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney calling for a judicial inquiry, but the proposal was voted down 13-10, with a majority of councillors and the mayor arguing an already planned auditor general probe was sufficient.
