Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Ottawa marked the start of its 2025 construction season Monday, announcing approximately $763 million in infrastructure investments alongside a new safety campaign.
Public Works and Infrastructure Committee Chair Tim Tierney, joined by Councillors Riley Brockington, Marty Carr, and Shawn Menard, kicked off the season at the site of the ongoing Bank Street renewal project. Tierney acknowledged the two seasons in Ottawa: “winter and construction”.
This year’s investments cover a wide range of projects across the city. Key allocations include:
- $89.6 million for road rehabilitation.
- $52.2 million for structures and bridges, including $17.7 million for culverts.
- $68.2 million for buildings and parks.
- $62.6 million for drinking water infrastructure and $17.5 million for drinking water treatment.
- $11.89 million for sidewalks and pathways.
- $200 million for integrated road, sewer, and sidewalk projects.
- $34 million for stormwater management.
- $165.2 million for wastewater treatment.
Around 700 active projects valued at $2.8 billion are underway. Major initiatives highlighted include:
- Bank Street renewal: A multi-year project transforming a 2.8 km stretch between Riverside Drive and Ledbury Avenue. It involves full reconstruction of underground utilities (sewers, watermains) and reimagining the streetscape with new furniture, lighting, protected intersections, cycle tracks, trees, and sidewalks. Completion is expected in mid-to-late 2027. Work will continue year-round. Businesses, while acknowledging the necessity, brace for disruptions. “Nobody is saying it doesn’t have to be done after 50 years,” Tasso Vasilas of Hometown Sports Grill told CTV News Ottawa.
- O-Train extension project: Work continues on the east and west extensions, with peak activity expected this summer. This includes significant roadworks on Highway 174 and the Richmond Road Revitalization Project, which involves closures and detours starting May 12 through late 2025.
- Highway 417: Motorists face delays due to median reconstruction between the O-Train bridges and Kent Street, involving lane shifts and closures from May 20 to Oct. 30, as reported by CTV News. Ramps at Pinecrest/Richmond are closed until August for LRT work.
- Bridge renewals: Rehabilitation work continues on the Mackenzie King Bridge (expected completion end of 2025) and the St. Patrick Street and Porter Island bridges.
- Other integrated renewals: Projects include MacLaren and Lyon Streets, Ella and Ralph Streets (featuring traffic calming), and Greenfield Avenue, Main Street, and Hawthorne Avenue.
- Community infrastructure: Projects include the new Morisset Avenue Pump Station, renewal of the Harlington Hill water reservoir, upgrades to the Moonies Bay pavilion, and the renewal of the Alexander Community Centre.
Officials launched the “Respect. Patience. Safety for All” campaign, reminding the public and workers of their shared responsibility for safety in construction zones. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are asked to slow down, stay alert, and be patient, while workers are reminded to be mindful of impacts on communities.
“We all share the responsibility to keep our roads safe,” reads material from the city’s campaign. Chair Tierney thanked residents in advance for their patience during the disruptions.
