Mayor unveils provincial light rail letter

Ottawa's mayor released a letter from the Ontario government about the city's light rail plan on Friday just three days before voters decidewhether to re-elect him.

Bob Chiarelli said the letter from the deputy minister of public infrastructure renewal shows Ottawa must go forward with the city's current light rail contract in order to keep $200 million in transit funding from the province.

The light rail contract worth almost $800 million was approved by Ottawa city council in July.

But mayoral candidates Alex Munter and Larry O'Brien who are ahead of Chiarelli inapollreleasedThursday have both said they will not go forward with the current plan if elected.

On Friday,Chiarelli held anews conference to present the letter, dated Nov. 10, from Deputy Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal Carol Layton to city manager Kent Kirkpatrick.

The letter states that it is "a confirmation of Ontario's commitment" to the transit project.

Chiarelli pointed to one paragraph in particular that reads:

"Any contemplation of the proposed East-West LRT project, or other potential alternative investments, would be inconsistent with the terms and conditions of our MOU [an agreement between the City of Ottawa, the province of Ontario and the federal government].

"The selection of a diesel over an electric LRT system in the North-South corridor would also be inconsistent with our MOU."

It adds that "Ontario would be concerned about potential adverse impacts" of any changes.

Chiarelli said this was proof the funding will be in jeopardy if voters choose Munter, who has said he favours building an east-west light rail line ahead of a north-south line; or if they choose O'Brien, who has said he supports a proposal to extend the city's existing O-Train line.

"I think it's important for the public to understand that the project that is in place has been researched, funding has been put in place by our funding partners the other levels of government based on this specific project," Chiarelli said, adding that the specific route and type of train were important elements.

"They're saying that it is fundamental to the agreement they have."

Ministry says letter is a response to a city request

Chiarelli insisted that he did not know the letter was coming.

But Lori Theoret, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal said the letter is a response to an e-mail request made earlier this week by the City of Ottawa for a clarification about the light rail project.

"The letter is considered private correspondence from the deputy minister to the city manager," Theoret said, adding that she could not comment for that reason.

However, she said, "The contents speak for themselves."

Meanwhile, Chiarelli's rivals were quick to dismissthe letter and the news conference.

In a statement, O'Brien accused Chiarelli of staging the letter.

"I am disappointed but not surprised that the current Mayor would get his good friend Premier McGunity [sic] to send this letter 72 hours before the municipal election."

Munter said it is a sure sign Chiarelli does not hold much hope for re-electionNov. 13.

"This is the clearest evidence yet that Bob Chiarelli knows he's in last place, he's going to lose this election, and this is a desperate attempt to salvage a floundering campaign."