By Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Ottawa has selected AECOM as prime consultant to develop a new electric bus garage – one part of the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Transit Commission’s zero emission bus project.
The multi-year project will convert the bus fleet from diesel to zero-emission by 2036.
“We are drawing on more than 15 years of North American experience in zero emission technology to support the transition to greener transit,” said Richard Barrett, chief executive of AECOM’s Canada region. “The city’s investment in their energy transition to zero-emission vehicles is one of the most impactful actions it can take to meet its reduction targets.”
As the prime consultant, AECOM has teamed up with GRC Architects to provide building and site infrastructure for the planning, design, and construction administration. The new facility, located at the St. Laurent Boulevard Campus, will house and charge 84 of the City’s new electric buses.
“We have a proven track record of collaborating on a variety of decarbonization projects for transit agencies, municipalities and private organizations,” said Walter Gaudet, AECOM’s regional business line lead for Buildings + Places Canada. “Our experience designing LEED-certified bus facilities means we understand the unique requirements of evolving transit operations and maintenance facilities.”
Ottawa’s transportation sector contributes 44 percent of the city’s community greenhouse gas emissions. The plan aims to transition Ottawa into a clean, renewable and resilient city by 2050 through the implementation of short, mid, and long-term reduction targets.
