Albert and Slater Streets Improvement Project

Albert and Slater Streets improvement project (Bay Street to Elgin Street)
Contract no. CP000317

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Project description

The City of Ottawa is undertaking the detailed design and construction of Albert and Slater Streets (between Bay Street and Elgin Street), as an opportunity to repurpose this corridor following the launch and on-going operation of the Confederation Line Light Rail Transit (LRT). With the removal of rapid bus transit from these streets, this project will incorporate watermain reconstruction/refurbishments, resurfacing of Albert Street, as well as the implementation of cycling facilities.

This project aims to implement the vision from the Downtown Moves: Transforming Ottawa’s Streets, which was approved by Council on March 27, 2013. The overall plan aims to make walking, cycling and transit use more comfortable and convenient by redistributing and improving the streetscape environment.

The project limits are:

• Albert Street, between Bay and Elgin streets
• Slater Street, between Bay and Elgin streets

Watermain work will include:

• Replacement of the watermain along Albert Street from east of Bay Street to west of Bank Street.
• Replacement of the watermain along Slater Street from east of Bay Street to Lyon Street, and from Kent Street to west of Elgin Street.
• Replacement of the watermain on Kent Street between Albert Street and Slater Street.
• Replacement of the watermain on Metcalfe Street between Albert Street and Slater Street.
• Cathodic protection of the watermain on Albert Street between Bank Street and Elgin Street, and on Slater Street between Lyon Street and Kent Street

Surface works are planned related to transportation improvements to repurpose the Albert and Slater streets corridor.

Upgrades to the corridors will include:

• Removal of the existing transit lanes on Albert and Slater streets.
• Introduction of physically separated bike lanes, with a mixture of separation from general traffic using precast curbs, cast-in-place islands, and raised cycle tracks.
• Reconstructed transit stops along Albert and Slater streets to accommodate new cycling facilities and adhere to accessibility guidelines.
• Introduction of bicycle signals at signalized intersections.
• Modifications to the intersection of Elgin Street and Slater Street to connect a new eastbound cycling facility on Slater Street to the new cycling facility on the Mackenzie King Bridge (subject to Federal Approvals).
• Localized areas of sidewalk renewal
•  Resurfacing of Albert Street

Project timing

Design assignment completion: late winter 2025
Construction start: tentatively planned to start in late spring / early summer 2025, pending budget approval
Construction completion: fall 2027

Project budget

Approved project funds to date: approximately $1.9 million

Accessibility

Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. The City makes every effort to provide access through and around construction sites. If you require a disability-related accommodation, please contact the project team. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.

Safety

The City of Ottawa is committed to safety in and around project sites. The project team continues to work closely with the industry and to comply with recommendations provided by municipal, provincial and federal health officials, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

For any emergency outside normal working hours on weekdays and weekends, call the City at 3-1-1.
Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact:

City Project Manager
Jonathan Pach, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction - Municipal
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 23188

The City of Ottawa held a Public Information Session – Open House on Thursday September 26, 2024, at the Albert Street Education Centre, to discuss the proposed infrastructure improvement project in your neighbourhood. Residents could drop in and review the preliminary design drawings. Representatives from the City, the design consultant and the Ward Councillor’s office were present to discuss the project, answer any questions and receive comments. 

The City of Ottawa also invites you to review and provide comments on the draft design for this project by October 15, 2024:

Presentation [ 2.97 MB ]
Albert Street_Proposed design [ 10.44 MB ]
Slater Street_Proposed design [ 11.28 MB ]

The following provides additional information about the project:

What: The project involves watermain replacement, repurposing the existing transit lanes for cycling facilities, and reconstruction of bus stops.

Why: The objective of this project is to rehabilitate underground water infrastructure that is nearing end-of-life, and to provide new east-west cycling corridors consistent with the Transportation Master Plan. With the reduced bus traffic on Albert and Slater streets, the opportunity exists to improve these corridors for other users.

When: The project is currently in preliminary design. Construction is tentatively planned to start late spring 2025 and be completed by fall 2027, pending budget approval.

Where: This project will take place on the following streets:

• Albert Street (from Elgin Street to Bay Street)
• Slater Street (from Bay Street to Elgin Street)
• Metcalfe Street (from Albert Street to Slater Street)
• Kent Street (from Albert Street to Slater Street)

Who: The engineering firm, Stantec Consulting Ltd., has been retained by the City of Ottawa to develop design drawings for this project.

For more information on this project and/or to submit comments, please contact the undersigned:

City Project Manager
Jonathan Pach, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
City of Ottawa
Tel.: 613-580-2424, ext. 23188

Consultant Project Manager
Jeffrey C. Waara, P.Eng.
Senior Project Manager
Stantec
Tel.: 613-724-4360