‘Don’t forget Barrhaven,’ says Ottawa mayor as federal Conservatives make transit promises

The Conservative Party of Canada is making a number of promises to Ottawa commuters in its election platform.

The party's stance on extending light rail into Kanata, improving Highway 174 and a procurement process for a new high-frequency rail service can all be seen in its platform.

“It's goodnews that these items are being discussed at the national level,” says Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.

He tells CityNews that Erin O'Toole's campaign pledge has been well received locally, but that there has to be a plan looking ahead to LRT Stage 3 too.

“We want to make sure that Mr. O'Toole and his party also understands Phase 3 includes Barrhaven, not just Kanata-Stittsville. It's important that Barrhaven be included in that as well. And, as you know, it's a 50-50 cost sharing we're looking for from the federal and provincial governments.”

Faster service on VIA Rail is greatly appreciated, according to Mayor Watson, because there will be less timetable challenges in the Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto corridor.