Sutcliffe: ‘Until we get value for our money, I’m not talking about another phase of LRT’

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is weighing in on the latest issues plaguing the city’s LRT system.

The entire O-Train line has been closed until further notice due to a mechanical problem discovered during a routine inspection.

All O-Train service was suspended, and all stations closed around 5 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, due to a technical issue.

“I am incredibly frustrated with what’s been going on,” said Mayor Sutcliffe on The Sam Laprade Show with guest host Derick Fage on Friday, July 21. “Phase one cost Ottawa taxpayers $2.1 billion and we are not getting the service we paid for.”

I’ve just learned of the interruption in light rail service because of an issue identified during a regular inspection. It’s incredibly frustrating when this happens. But safety and caution must always come first, and we must demand the highest quality standards from the…

— Mark Sutcliffe (@_MarkSutcliffe) July 17, 2023

Earlier this week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was in Ottawa for an announcement, and weighed in on the ongoing issues with Ottawa’s light rail system.

Ford called the LRT a disaster, pointing fingers at the City’s previous mayor and administration for accepting a system that he believes was not yet ready.

“I get is point of view,” added Sutcliffe. “The provincial government, as well as the City of Ottawa, invested a lot of money into this project.”

Sutcliffe said he doesn’t want to talk about putting any money into Stage 3 LRT until the issues impacting the system currently are resolved, and isn’t prepared to put any more taxpayers money for any other phases.

“Some day soon we will get the service that we paid for,” said Sutcliffe. “Until we get the value for our money, I am not talking about another phase of LRT.”