Should bus rapid transit be a bigger priority?

Good morning! 

The Lookout writes a lot about transit and the many issues commuters face. But you probably don’t even need us to tell you the current situation, chances are you know for yourself, with confusion over ‘New Ways to Bus’ which has been OC Transpo’s biggest route overhaul in history and LRT shutdowns.

In addition to light rail, the city has a number of bus rapid transit projects which don't get nearly enough attention, but in some ways, might be even more important. That is something city councillors will get to mull over when they review the Transportation Master Plan later this month. 

I sat down with two councillors whose wards would directly benefit from dedicated bus-only lanes to understand their wishlist. We also have a story today about OC Transpo general manager Renée Amilcar resigning “for a new opportunity.” Now all eyes are on her potential replacement.

A quick correction to our last newsletter, where we incorrectly stated a billboard at the Mayfair Theatre was advocating for Bank Street bike lanes. It should have, in fact, been Bank Street bus lanes (though there have also been renewed calls for bike lanes as well). We regret the error.

Let’s get to today’s headlines!

— Charlie Senack, Ottawa Lookout managing editor, [email protected], X: @Charlie_Senack

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WEATHER

Wednesday: 27 🌡️ 17 | 🌧️

Thursday: 24 🌡️ 14 | 🌧️

Friday: 26 🌡️ 14 | 🌤️

THE LOOKOUT RECOMMENDS

New pizza spot: The Grand in ByWard Market is opening a year-round second location at Westboro Beach this year. It’s always nice when you have more options at the beach than deep fried food! [Ottawa Business Journal]

Music homework: If you’re planning to participate in the Ottawa Jazz Festival this year, the organization has created a handy Spotify playlist celebrating their Canadian performers. It’s a fun, easy way to discover some new artists to see before the show. 

Weekend arts: If you’re an arts lover, then you’ll want to check out Pique’s summer edition this Saturday. The one-day festival will help you discover new independent artists, and will be held at the Ottawa Arts Court. Glitch punk, futurism and techno-innovation? It’s truly one of a kind. 

One of a kind: Ralf discovered that Joe’s Italian Kitchen on Preston is the only certified Pinsaria in Canada. It’s a special designation meaning they make authentic Roman-style pizza known as Pinsa, a flatbread dough.

CITY

Should council decide to make bus rapid transit projects a bigger priority?

At the end of June, the city will be gearing up to debate its Transportation Master Plan, a roadmap to how the city’s transportation system should build and expand into the future. 

One of the key points to that is a new Baseline Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network and perhaps another on Carling, two routes which have long been talked about, but with little action.

While there are no timelines or funding, councillors for both of those wards are eager to see the projects get off the ground.

Some work on the Baseline BRT has begun, with intersection improvement coming to Baseline and Greenbank. College Ward Coun. Laine Johnson said that stretch of road has seen increased congestion, leading to issues with OC Transpo’s Route 88, which has seen a rebound in ridership since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“People are asking why we would spend the money updating one intersection when the congestion is being shown to be east of Algonquin. The argument is to create a transit priority lane through Baseline and Greenbank for the 88,” Johnson told the Lookout. “It’s something that we’ve been collecting money for over the last several years, it's already funded, so now it’s just a matter of deploying it.”

Doing that work now could also prevent the BRT from costing more in the future. 

Johnson said it also makes sense to focus on that stretch because of bus connections that will come to the Queensview Pinecrest LRT station once the Confederation Line expansion opens. There’s also the potential for possible future development in the area near the Ikea mall. 

But the biggest benefit will come when the next phase is started between Algonquin College and Heron Road. 

“Just think of all the future development parcels along there and all of the towers that are happening or slated to happen around Merivale and Clyde,” noted Johnson. “Keep going and you’ve got proposed developments near the Experimental Farm, including towers where the Lone Star building is.”

The final stage would build bus-only lanes from Greenbank to Bayshore, though Johnson said some councillors would like to see it expanded even further west to Stittsville and Kanata South through Robertson Road. 

The College Ward representative said the business case for this phase will only grow with the Queensway Carleton Hospital’s capital development plan to expand its site.

In total, the project would create 13.8 kilometres of bus-only lanes, at a price tag of $400 million in 2022 dollars. While not cheap, Johnson noted it’s pennies compared to what Ottawa’s light rail system has cost. It would also see investments made to sidewalks, better pedestrian crossings, and the addition of bike lanes. 

In total, each commuter would save about 11 minutes per ride. Johnson said that adds up in a week and could encourage more people to take public transit. She herself is planning to ditch her car once the Algonquin College Baseline LRT station is in operation by 2027. 

A similar plan for Carling 

Over in Bay Ward, Coun. Theresa Kavanagh has been advocating for its BRT project which, would build bus-only lanes down that stretch of road. So far it has been identified as a lesser property than its Baseline counterpart. 

“There are lots of costs involved which is why Carling is not going first,” said Kavanagh. “What I thought was imminent has now been pushed off down the road. And I've been very frustrated with that. I've also been asking for cycle infrastructure over and over again stating how important it is. And the city is just not making those investments.”

Kavanagh said she’s happy to see the work begin with the Baseline BRT, but says the city hasn’t put money aside for such projects, which creates a “tug of war.” 

Her concern is that if the current trends continue, it could jeopardize future development plans along Carling. 

“Why would the properties get developed, especially since they have reduced parking? They're going to rely on Route 85, which surely to goodness we could make better,” said Kavanagh. ”Even in its current form now, we have to make it more frequent and reliable. Having a dedicated bus lane was the way to go. It seemed like an inexpensive option because you're just talking about painting saying, ‘hey, this lane is for buses only’, but it seems to have been stalled and I'm frustrated.”

Competing with light rail transit 

To complete either bus rapid transit project, will require funding from the province. But the Ontario government has already committed to taking over the finances of Ottawa’s light rail project and expanding the system out to Barrhaven, Kanata and Stittsville. 

A part of what councillors will debate during the Transportation Master Plan review is their ranking of Phase 3 LRT on the list of priorities. Currently, it’s at the top. 

But its future has been called into question since ridership patterns changed during the COVID-19 pandemic and OC Transpo found itself with fewer than the projected number of riders. 

Councillors that the Lookout has spoken to are mixed on how useful it would actually be today. There seems to be a better business case for continuing with the expansions out to Kanata and Stittsville. Barrhaven is already served by BRT lanes, with some councillors mulling the idea of taking the trains only as far as Fallowfield Station instead of Marketplace — a difference of three stops. 

The entire Phase 3 project is also expensive, with a price tag of $6.5 billion — which could be even higher today due to inflation. So it begs the question: is the province willing to fund both this and two giant bus lanes?

That answer is unclear, and decisions on the transportation master plan will help the city at least decide where it wants to put its time and money. Johnson wrote in January that she believes it’s time for the city to “cut its losses” with Stage 3 and pivot to bus rapid transit. 

When it’s up for debate later this month, Johnson said she hopes conversations will inspire a better transit system as a whole. 

“I get frustrated when we say things like, ’we're investing more money in transit than we ever have before.’ Well, of course we are; we’re building a train,” she said. “This is a transformative moment and we’re talking about a dollar-for-dollar kind of calculation. What we are not talking about is the experience that we promised to create when we make those investments. And without having that vision at the end of the day, transit's not going to ever be the North Star that it should be for everyone in this city.”

THE OTTAWA NUMBER

11

🗳️ The number of candidates running in the Osgoode by-election, which will take place on June 16. Here’s a rundown of who they are. [Ottawa Citizen]

THE AGENDA

🚔 Ottawa Police are investigating the city’s 13th homicide of the year after 54-year-old Tracy Duncan was found dead inside her Carousel Drive home in Gloucester. Stephen Doane, 57, has been charged with second-degree murder. The incident has been labelled as Ottawa’s fourth femicide, a term that’s used when a woman or girl is killed because of their gender. [Ottawa Citizen]

📕 Ottawa’s new central library Ᾱdisōke, located at  LeBreton Flats, is supposed to open next summer, but could be delayed. To date its exterior, including the roof of sweeping curves and complex angles, has been completed. But a lot of interior work still needs to be finished, including custom-made fixtures, furniture and art installations. [CBC]

🪴 Gardeners at the Kilborn Allotment Gardens say the land is being taken over by invasive species including garlic mustard and dog-strangling vines, which could kill off the plants they grow. Alta Vista Coun. Mary Carr says the issue is becoming worse city-wide and she is hoping to launch a new program which would recruit volunteers to help removethe spread. [CBC]

💍 A number of Ottawa jewelry stores were targeted by serious smash-and-grab robberies, with the latest incident occurring at Rafidain & Co on Bank Street. A truck rammed through the window before taking hammers to the display cases. The whole incident lasted only 30 seconds. [CTV]

🚿 Ottawa residents will be paying $5 more a month on their water bill over the next 10 years, as the city jacks up prices to fix and expand the city’s water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. According to the plan, the city will fund $3 billion of the infrastructure work through water, wastewater and stormwater revenues, with $1.7 billion from new debt. [CTV]

💉 Shortly after re-opening, Northwood is closing its safe supply clinic in Chinatown on June 9.  ”We saw an immediate uptick in crime, drug dealing, public drug use, disposal of Dilaudid bottles and needles all over the area after the Northwood clinic opened. Chinatown had the second-highest rate of overdoses in the city,” said area Coun. Ariel Troster. The clinic was previously located in Hintonburg but moved earlier this year after concerns from the community. [Ottawa Citizen]

🏫 Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth has announced she will step down from her position as trustee for the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. She said her decision came after being targeted for being a progressive trustee and blamed the board for creating “toxicity” and “dysfunction.” Kaplan-Myrth represented the Capital and Alta Vista Wards. [CTV]

👮‍♂️ A man has been seriously injured after a targeted shooting in Craig Henry. It’s not the first incident to rock the suburban community. A stabbing was also recently reported there and a homicide took place nearby in April. Area councillor Sean Devine said on Facebook he’s been in touch with police and is looking to host a public meeting in the next few weeks. [Sean Devine newsletter]

HOME OF THE WEEK

This one just came on the market yesterday and is a dream for those looking for a family upgrade.

Located in Orleans, this home has it all. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a quiet family neighbourhood, a fully fenced in backyard and a two-car garage. 

And it’s surprisingly affordable!

OTTAWA ARTS GUIDE

Performance

The Barrhaven Community Concert Series Band is performing Musical Odds & Ends, a mishmash of different types of styles and genres. The performance is on June 8, with tickets $14+.

The Fringe Festival is back June 12-22, in various locations across the city. Check out all the shows, and grab your tickets.

The 2025 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards kicks off on June 14 at 6:30. With tribute performances highlighting all the laureates, it’s a wonderful evening of music and dancing.

Art

Ever wanted to help make a magazine? The Zine Scene: Tools for Social Change is your chance to learn more about the history of how magazines have been used for change, and help make some zines that will be distributed. There are multiple dates available.

From 5-8 pm this Thursday, you can visit the National Gallery of Canada for free, view the art, listen to music and even participate in art-making activities.

Movies

Ottawa Queer Arts Collective is featuring short filsm by queer Canadian artists today at 6 pm. You can grab tickets here.

ByTowne has a great lineup of movies this week, including the award-winning Chicago, and the indie darling documentary Secret Mall Apartment about eight Rhode Island artists who created a secret apartment inside a mall.

Music

Live! on Elgin celebrates their 10th anniversary on 5 June. Come and join for a stacked night of music across indie, rock, folk and more.  Tickets $20. 

Folk artist Félix Leroux plays the Art House Cafe on 6 June. The multi-instrumentalist combines rich musical arrangements with intimate, sincere lyrics. Tickets $15.

The summer edition of Pique returns to Club SAW on 7 June. The signature music and arts festival features a range of groundbreaking performances and exhibitions. Pay What You Can.

Maryland rockers Clutch come to the Bronson Centre on 8 June. Their grooving riffs blend elements of hard rock, stoner rock and blues. Tickets $43.50.

Pat Temple and the HiLO Players visit Red Bird on 8 June. Pat’s music brings together western swing, jump blues, rockabilly and roadhouse soul. Tickets $33.

Listings for music shows are provided by OttawaGigs.ca, the best place to discover live music in Ottawa. Check out Ottawagigs.ca for full listings across the city.

CITY

Renée Amilcar resigns as OC Transpo general manager

Turning tides: OC Transpo general manager Renée Amilcar, who once said she has no intentions of leaving Ottawa, is resigning from her post effective July 18. 

The news was announced in a memo the City of Ottawa sent to the mayor and members of council which stated Amilcar will be taking on a new role outside of the organization. 

• “Renée has served the City with dedication and professionalism, leading the Transit Services team through a period of significant operational transformation, modernization and service improvement,” the memo read.

A complicated legacy: Since arriving in Ottawa in 2021, Amilcar has had some wins and some losses. 

On the brighter side, there have been some improvements fixing Phase 1 of Ottawa’s light rail system, which had too many breakdowns to count. In 2023, the general manager said OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group were working with Alstom to redesign the axles and wheel hub assemblies on every vehicle on Line 1, which would bring a “permanent fix.” Those issues led to the derailment of a train at Tunney’s Pasture Station in 2021 and a 28-day shutdown two years later due to excess grease on an axle hub assembly.

The negatives: Also during Amilcar’s reign, ‘New Ways to Bus’ was launched which brought a reduction in service by about 74,000 fewer bus service hours per year. Some — but not all of those — have been made up by the opening of the expanded Trillium Line between Bayview and Limebank. The goal was to increase the timeliness and to work within its means so there would be fewer cancelled or delayed trips.

The Confederation line has also seen a reduction in service. Earlier this year, it was announced that off-peak trains would arrive every 10 minutes on weekdays, every nine minutes on Saturdays and between every nine and 10 minutes on Sundays. During weekday peak periods, the trains run every five minutes. Amilcar said this was due to a lack of ridership and would save OC Transpo an estimated $1.6 million per year.

Reaction: On X, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said OC Transpo has made “meaningful progress” during Amilcar’s reign, including “reliability of O-Train Line 1, the launch of new lines, and the development of a clear, focused plan for the future of transit in our city.”

Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney, who’s been critical of Amilcar many times in the past, told CTV he credited the outgoing GM for the successful rollout of Lines 2 and 4 of the light rail system. 

• “A lot of the things that she was asked to do by council, she achieved, and now we have an opportunity for new leadership and it’s going to have a whole series of criteria that we’ve only really identified in the last few years, based on what’s happened,” said Tierney. 

Next steps: Troy Charter, director of Transit Service and Rail Operations, will serve as interim general manager of Transit Services until a replacement is found. At this point, no timelines have been announced. 

There is also no word on where Amilcar is headed for her next adventure, however, in 2023 WBZ-TV in Boston reported she was a “top-tier candidate" for the job as head of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. It has since been filled by Phillip Eng.

Have some thoughts on this story? Want to share some insight with the Lookout community? Share your opinion in our Comment Corner and it could be featured in future newsletters.

OTTAWA GUESSER

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Westboro Beach is back open, with many new features that everyone will appreciate. [Ottawa Citizen]

• Rockcliffe Park has been designated a national historic district. [CBC]

• If you’ve ever thought about fishing in the canal, then you’ll want to listen to this interview. [CBC]

• See why this sandwich spot has become our food editor’s favourite.

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