The website has launched for the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Commission (“the Commission”)! Community organizations now have the information needed to consider their involvement in the Commission.
The Commission will examine:
The decisions and actions that were taken in determining:
the procurement approach the city selected for the OLRT1 Project;
the selection of the Rideau Transit Group (“Concessionaire”); and
the award of the alternative financing and procurement (AFP) contract for the OLRT1 Project to the Concessionaire;
Whether the city-led procurement process had an impact on the technical standards applied for the OLRT1 Project and the design, building, operation, maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of the OLRT1 Project;
Whether the AFP contract between the city and the Concessionaire (“Concession Agreement”) was adequate to ensure that the design, building, operation, maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of the OLRT1 Project was carried out in accordance with all applicable laws and industry standards, including performance and safety;
Whether the Concessionaire and its subcontractors did carry out the design, building, operation, maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of the OLRT1 Project in accordance with applicable laws and industry standards; and
Whether the city’s oversight of the Concession Agreement and the OLRT1 Project, including its audit, evaluation, inspection and monitoring of the OLRT1 Project, was adequate to ensure compliance with the Concession Agreement and any applicable laws and industry standards. The above includes an inquiry into the decisions that led to the declaration that the OLRT1 Project had reached substantial completion and any associated testing carried out to support such declaration.
While the Commission itself cannot provide funding, participants can make requests for funding to the Commissioner which can then make recommendations to the Minister of Transport to grant funding.
Applications for funding must provide evidence that demonstrates a lack of financial resources, how it intends to use the funds and will consider the nature of the applicant’s interest, expertise and experience, and if they have attempted to form a group with others with similar interests.
Durant Barristers is interested in supporting non-profits, charities or community organizations interested in participating in the Commission. If you would like to explore how we can support you please contact Leslie Anne St. Amour at lastamour@durantbarristers.com.
