NCC, city to 'work constructively' on a solution for western LRT

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and John Baird, the federal minister responsible for the National Capital Commission, are pledging to work together on the city's western lightrail expansion.

The NCC and the city have been at odds over the westward route of the second phase of Ottawa's LRT system.

The city wants to partially bury the route along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, but the NCCwants no obstruction of the waterfrontand has asked the city to bury the route along the parkway in a tunnel or use different land altogether.

Baird and Watson met Thursdaymorning at Baird's office.

In a statement issued after the meeting, they say they'll take the next 100 days to "work constructively" to find a solution.

"Moving forward, we have agreed to stay in close contact, meet on a more regular basis on a range of regional issues, and maintain a positive dialogue as we work together for the betterment of our great capital," the media release said.