* Snapshot of Lees, uOttawa, Pimisi and Bayview Stations - April 13, 2019

 Taking a look at Lees, uOttawa, Pimisi and Bayview Stations along the O-Train Confederation Line. With plenty of LRV testing taking place, the stations are bustling with activity and life.

Lees Station

The entrance to Lees Station
Looking down towards the platforms
The multiuse pathway is to the right, passing alongside the station.
The tracks leading to the station
And away towards Hurdman, heading East.

uOttawa Station

The multiuse pathway connecting Ottawa U to the Rideau Canal. The main station entrance is ahead and to the right before the end of the tunnel.
The main entrance. Elevators are positioned to both sides.
The eastern end of the platforms.
Looking inside the station towards the middle of the platforms. The yellow posts are to help prevent and block the gap between coupled LRVs (Light Rail Vehicles).
Another angle, showing the platforms and upper westbound entrance, as well as the multiuse pathway and main entrance below. You can also see some fare vending machines below in the tunnel.

 Pimisi Station

The main entrance of Pimisi Station. To the right are stairs and an elevator to access the multi-use pathway below.
A closeup of the stairs and elevator to the pathway below.
The second entrance to Pimisi Station, located directly across Booth Street.
Fare vending machines positioned to the left.
Looking inside you can see the escalators.
And the downtown tunnel western portal.
In this photo you can see the multi-use pathway as well as the plaza area of the station. The stairs and elevator from the earlier photos reaches this level and is to the left of the photo.

Bayview Station

Bayview Station entrance, located on Albert Street and directly serving the eastbound platform.
Stairs going down to the Trillium multi-use pathway.
The Confederation Line platforms pass above the Trillium Line platform located below.
LRV entering Bayview Station heading westbound to Tunney's Pasture.
The tracks and guideway heading eastbound towards Downtown and ultimately Blair Station.

* Snapshot of Blair, Cyrville, St. Laurent, Tremblay and Hurdman - May 31, 2019

Taking a look at Blair, Cyrville, St. Laurent, Tremblay and Hurdman Stations along the O-Train Confederation Line in Ottawa, Ontario. With plenty of Alstom Citadis Spirit LRV testing taking place, the stations are bustling with activity and life. This video was filmed entirely on May 31st, 2019.

Blair Station 

The LRT station integrated into the existing Blair Station.
Local bus platforms below, with direct access to the LRT platforms above.
LRV 1131 parked at Blair Station.
Looking inside the station, you can see the repurposed pedestrian overpass from the original station design.
The walkway allows access from the overpass that crosses highway 174.
It also connects to the second half of the station with the bus platforms. An entrance to the LRT station connects mid-way across to the right.
Looking towards the present eastern terminus of the Confederation Line.
The highway 174 pedestrian overpass.
Great views looking down towards the LRT platforms, and the public art that is installed in the station. Small coloured glass that move and reflect light with the passage of the trains.
Another look at the local bus platforms.
Bike racks and shelter.

Cyrville Station 

Cyrville Station, looking eastbound.
Fare vending machines at the entrance.
Fare gates, beyond which the stairs and elevators that give access to the train platform.
The second station entrance.
Looking westbound at the tracks to St. Laurent Station.
Another angle in the same direction. Notice the TPSS (Traction Power Sub Station) in grey to the right. The TPSS converts the local power to the necessary voltage (1500 volts) for the trains to operate.
Looking inside the second entrance of Cyrville. Interestingly, the fare gates for this entrance are located below, at platform level.

St. Laurent Station 

St. Laurent Station interior mall entrance.
Looking across the walkways towards the eastbound platform.
Notice the LRV leaving the station heading towards Cyrville.

Tremblay Station 

Tremblay Station, located just steps from the ViaRail station.
The public art installation of Tremblay Station.
The art is quite detailed and elaborate.
It is essentially sheet metal that has nature motifs cut out and hanging. The glass canopy shines through the openings.
Looks amazing!!!
Looking inside the station. The faregates and beyond the elevators to the westbound platform.
Fare vending machines.
Looking towards the platforms. The elevators to the eastbound platform are not visible in this photo but are immediately to the left.
Outside the station, looking westbound.
The platforms as seen from the multi-use pathway.
Tremblay Station with Via Rail to the left.

Hurdman Station 

The station will be a fare-paid zone. As a result, the wood fence separates it from the entrance area for local residents.
The station entrance, with the multi-use pathway connecting beyond the entrance tunnel.
Reverse angle of the same area. The station entrance is to the right behind the Hurdman station lantern.
Looking inside the entrance, you can find the fare gates.
The fare vending machines to the right.
Elevators.
On both sides.
Stairs and escalators.
One of the gates to connect from the LRT to the bus lines.
The Confederation Line platforms are located above.
Additional stairs at the far ends of the platforms.
The overhead guideway of the Confederation Line. It will no doubt remind many of the Walt Disney World Monorail system.
The guideway continuing towards Lees Station, while passing over the Rideau River. The multi-use pathway continues from Hurdman to Lees and beyond.
Looking back towards Hurdman Station.
Another look inside, seeing the elevators, stairs and escalators. The overhead wayfinding signage is easily seen and followed.
The bus platforms below and the Confederation Line above.
Panoramic view of Hurdman Station. The bus platforms are to the far left.
The Kiss-and-Ride area, for pick up and drop off.

* Snapshot of Tremblay, Cyrville and Blair Stations - August 12, 2018

Tremblay Station 

Alstom Citadis Sprit #1126 just outside of Tremblay Station
New Flyer D60LFr #6431 seen crossing over at Tremblay.
And now #1109 just a dozen metres away from #1126
Tremblay Station
The glass canopy to shelter the walkway to the Via Rail terminal.
And a shot from the opposite end to see the Tremblay Station platforms.

Cyrville Station 

Cyrville Station
Fare gates are already installed, as well as overhead directional signage.
The platform.
Despite being a centre platform station, the layout is quite impressive and spacious.
Looking in the direction of the tracks towards St. Laurent Station.
This is the opposite entrance across Cyrville Road.
Another view of the other entrance, showing passenger flow. One elevator and one set of stairs. The platform only starts underneath the Cyrville overpass.

Blair Station 

The soon to be iconic O-Train station marker, seen at Blair Station.
Bike parking and storage at Blair Station.
The station as seen from the bike parking area. Notice how the local bus platform has been modified by removing the old red structures and adding the now typical enclosed
The Blair Station platform. Seen from the existing pedestrian walkway.
Train #1102 seen parked at Blair Station.
The original pedestrian walkway, now re-purposed to serve as a pass through above the O-Train station.

* Snapshot of Parliament, Lyon and Tunney's Pasture Stations - August 9-10, 2018

Parliament Station 

A quick photo safari during lunch on August 9 and 10th. Here are the entrances of Parliament Station. The picture above is of the integrated entrance at 155 Queen (Heritage Building).
And the mid-entrance right across the street at O'Connor and Queen.

Lyon Station 

Next is the integrated entrance for Lyon Station, pictured here in the Podium Building of Place de Ville.
And the interior. Already a fan of the typeface on the overhead signage.
These next two are of the entrance kiosk of Lyon Station at the corner of Lyon and Queen.
And the opposite angle.
And looking up towards the Delta hotel. The glass awnings are an excellent touch to finish the look.

Tunney's Pasture Station 

Next Station... Tunney's Pasture
The main entrance from Scott Street.
Two of the elevators.
You can see the tail lights of two Alstom Citadis Spirit trains in the distance.
Still lots of work going on but lots of progress is being made.
Perhaps the best shot for last.

The system is really moving along. If you haven't been by the stations in a month or two, there has been big progress made. To me it's amazing how the actual stations look even better than the computer images. They are spectacular and massive. Plenty of natural light and windows everywhere. They look so inviting and it only makes the countdown till opening even more exciting.

Stay tuned to our Blog, more updates coming soon.

* Snapshot of uOttawa and Lees Stations - November 4, 2018

uOttawa Station

The entrance stairs and multi-use pathway ramp to uOttawa Station and down to the tunnel linking to the Rideau Canal.
The soon to be iconic O-Train station marker is in place.
The tunnel crossing towards the Canal and the main entrance to the station.
The fare gates, after which heading left will guide you to the westbound platforms, and right to the eastbound.
Signage explaining the fare paid zone and proof of payment requirements. To the right is one of the elevators to reach the the eastbound platforms.
The O-Train station marker positioned just outside the station, adjacent to the Rideau Canal pathways and Colonel By Drive.
The tunnel.
The secondary entrance to uOttawa Station, directly serving the westbound platforms.
The elevators covered by the mesh wrap.
Looking down along the westbound platforms.
The sweeping lines of the station's roof. The integrated lighting strips accentuate the design when viewed at night.

Lees Station 

The entrance to Lees Station, along Lees Avenue. Notice the completed Station name lantern that will glow at night.
Looking down towards the station from the Lees Avenue overpass. The station entrance is placed by the top left of the image.
The main entrance to the station.
And the ticket and fare vending machines.
Behind the security gate are the fare gates, controlling access to the station.
Once passing through the gates, you will descend by the stairs or elevators to platform level.
The glass overhead canopies feature blue artwork.
The platforms of Lees Station. Notice the multi-use pathway located behind the far platform's glass wall.
Lees Station marker.
The tracks leading from Lees Station towards Hurdman (to the left).
Next Station, Hurdman. Prochaine station, Hurdman.

* Snapshot of Cyrville and Blair Stations - November 10, 2018

Cyrville Station 

The main entrance of Cyrville Station.
The accent lighting along the underside of the roof awning. I keep saying it but it really does look sharp, especially at night.
Fare gates installed and activated.
Looking down towards the eastbound platform.
Another angle of the main entrance with the O-Train station marker visible.
Stairs that head down towards the pathway that connects to the businesses off of Cyrville and Labelle, such as CANEX, among others.
The main entrance as seen from the opposite side of Cyrville (from the second entrance).
The second Cyrville Station entrance.
This entrance is located opposite the main entrance and is much smaller in size.
It only features stairs and an elevator, bringing passengers down to the fare gates located at platform level.
The elevator.
And the stairs, that head down to the fare gates and platform level.
The tracks heading westbound to the next station... St. Laurent. Notice the TPSS (Traction Power Sub-Station) in grey near the top right of the photo, which provides the necessary voltage and current to power the trains.
Looking back up Cyrville towards the two entrances of the station.

Blair Station 

Blair Station, as seen from the entrance of the Gloucester Centre. Two O-Train station markers are visible. The one in the background lists both Train and Bus, while the one in the Foreground lists only Train. An error perhaps?
The main entrance is located to the right (through the fenced off area).
The local bus platforms below and the Confederation Line above to the left
Bike racks for passengers.
The local bus platforms.
The current eastern end of the Confederation Line tracks. Notice the yellow track stop buffers.
The overhead signage indicates that this platform will also serve westbound service towards Tunney's Pasture. This will change to eastbound service in 2022 when the Confederation Line is extended to Orleans.
New meeting the Old Transitway structures.
The overhead walkway that connects to the pedestrian overpass crossing highway 174 as well as the other walkways towards the Gloucester Centre.
The elevators and fare gates (not visible)
The overhead walkway. Interestingly this structure was retained from the original Transitway station, with the red windows and canopy roof removed.
The platforms looking westbound.
And the end of the line, eastbound... until 2022.

* Snapshot of Hurdman and Tremblay Stations - November 4, 2018

Hurdman Station

Panoramic view of the expansive Hurdman Station.
Looking left towards the bus loop.
To the middle towards the main entrance and the multi-use pathway.
And to the right towards the new Paratranspo stop and car drop off zone.
This area is a new feature to Hurdman station, allowing cars to enter for drop off and pickup.
The main station entrance to the left, and the multi-use pathway straight ahead.
The stairs, escalators and elevators of Hurdman Station.
One of the towering elevators.
The concourse of the station, from which the bus loop can be accessed towards the left.
Stairs connecting to the eastbound train platform.
Another view of one of the elevators.
Looking up towards the train platforms from the bus loop.
One of the bus loop shelters and a yellow emergency intercom.
Looking up towards the Confederation Line guideway, track and overhead cantenary.
The guideway heading towards the next station, Lees.
One final view of the station and the bus loop.

Tremblay Station 

Tremblay Station, just next to the VIA Rail sign.
The main entrance and the fare gates.
Two of the elevators towards the eastbound platforms.
Looking down towards the tracks.
And the platforms.
The tracks and guideway towards St. Laurent station.
And back towards Tremblay station.
The Tremblay Station O-Train marker.

* Snapshot of Parliament and Lyon Stations - August 20, 2018

Parliament Station

Queen Street street-scaping in progress in front of the World Exchange Plaza.
Queen Street street-scaping in progress in front of the World Exchange Plaza.
Open work hole on Queen Street, showing exposed wires, conduits and connections.
Open work hole on Queen Street, showing exposed wires, conduits and connections.
Now looking towards the mid-entrance at the corner of Queen and O'Connor
And the north east integrated entrance in the Heritage Building.
Inside the Sunlife Financial Building, showing the integrated entrance to the Parliament Station.
Closed for now but opening soon.
Looking down towards the station entrance building.
A tow truck pulling a failed cement truck.
The central shaft at the corner of Queen and Kent is being closed, little by little.
Cement is pumped via a boom truck into the central shaft.

Lyon Station 

One of the entrances to Lyon Station, pictured here underneath the Podium Building at Place de Ville.
More street-scaping taking place on Queen Street, between Kent and Lyon.
The entrance to the station in the Podium Building facade.
A look inside from a different angle. The stairs and escalator ahead to the left.
And yet another angle. The elevators would be directly to the left in this shot.
Inside on the underground concourse of Place de Ville, we can see the interior integrated entrance to Lyon Station. Boarded off but soon to be accessible. Interesting to note that there was an OC Transpo sales and ticket centre in this very location in the past.
The Lyon Station entrance kiosk building at Queen and Lyon, just across from the Delta hotel.
Looking down from the Penthouse level of the Delta.
And across towards Pimisi and Bayview Stations far in the distance.

* Snapshot of Parliament and Lyon Stations - September 13, 2018

Entrance of Parliament Station at corner of O'Connor and Queen
The stairs heading down towards the underground concourse.
The Parliament Station mid entrance. This entrance will feature only elevators.
The entrance is on the opposite side. The elevators are positioned at both extremities, visible by the black tarps at both ends. The shorter section to the right appears to be a utility electrical room.
The integrated entrance inside the SunLife Financial Centre
Seen again from the opposite side.
Looking down Queen Street from O'Connor towards Metcalfe. This street section is currently closed to vehicle circulation.
The western half-section of Queen between O'Connor and Bank. Nearly done and almost ready to reopen.
Looking from the reverse angle.
The central shaft, located at corner of Queen and Kent. The gantry crane and deep shaft have now moved into history... the entrance now filled in and sealed.
Streetscaping on Queen between Kent and Lyon continues on the south side of the street.
The interlock stones are now being placed. The rest shouldn't be far off now.
The Lyon Station entrance in the Podium Building. The construction hoardings have been removed allowing better views inside and around.
Escalator and stairs towards the underground concourse.
The entrance kiosk building at Lyon and Queen. Construction hoardings are also down at this entrance.
Looking inside the entrance.
And the twin elevators down towards the concourse.
Overall, good progress is visible from our last update about 4 weeks ago.

In my own opinion, the section of streetscaping from Lyon to Kent should wrap up in the next two weeks based on the progress seen. The section from O'Connor to Metcalfe probably another month. You can see that the construction sites at Lyon Station are demobilizing little by little, with the construction zones shrinking to the immediate perimeters of the stations in several cases. The work at Parliament Station continues to progress but the impact on the surface is felt more than around Lyon Station for the time being.

The integrated entrance inside Place de Ville in the underground mall area is visually unchanged, the construction hoardings blocking the station entrance and surroundings remain in place at this time. For those interested, there is construction work happening inside Place de Ville by the twin escalators by the Albert Street entrance. The escalators are being replaced with newer models. A temporary stairway will be constructed in the near future in the closed off section. This is no doubt in anticipation of increased traffic from the Lyon Station and the old legacy single file escalators not being up to the task of carrying that capacity.

* Snapshot of Lees, uOttawa and Rideau - June 9, 2019

Lees Station 

The crossing over the Rideau River, between Hurdman in the distance and Lees.
The multi-use pathway is located just to the side of the tracks on the bridge.
Lees Station entrance and fare vending machines.
Fare gates and elevators to the platforms.
Looking in through the glass, you can see the stairs and the lower platform level.
The platforms and next train signs.
Looking towards the station from Lees Avenue overpass.
The multi-use pathway is to the right of the station, and continues to uOttawa.
Looking in the direction of Hurdman.
The platforms.
The multi-use pathway runs along side the station.
The public art of the station takes form in the glass panel wall of the fare paid zone on the platforms. The art can be enjoyed from both sides.
Looking in towards the platforms.

uOttawa Station 

uOttawa Station, with the westbound platform direct entrance above, and the main entrances below in the multi-use pathway tunnel.
The entrance shown is the westbound platform direct entrance. To go eastbound (or also westbound), the entrance below in the tunnel is to be used.
Looking eastward. The bike racks with overhead canopy.
The multi-use pathway, and the main entrance of the station, inside and to the left.
Fare vending machines and the station main entrance.
Fare gates.
The multi-use pathway and access to the Rideau Canal.

Rideau Station 

Rideau Station lollistop marker, near the corner of Sussex and Rideau.
Rideau Station entrance to the left, CF Rideau Centre to the right.
The interior Rideau Centre entrance to the station, located between Shoppers Drug Mart and Farm Boy.
Interior mall accessible entrance (elevators) to Rideau Station, located next to EBX and across from Tim Hortons.
The Rideau Station secondary entrance, located below Scotiabank on William Street on the edge of the Byward Market.

* Snapshot of Parliament and Lyon Stations - November 7, 2018

Parliament Station 

After several years of O'Connor Street operating with reduced lanes (mostly one single lane), it is now finally reopened to its full width.
Looking towards the O'Connor / Queen intersection and two of the Parliament Station entrances.
The integrated entrance in 155 Queen.
It was brought to my attention that the small O-Train Line 1 sign went up around rush hour. This photo is from Thursday morning.
And the elevator entrance located directly across the street.
This entrance features automatic sliding doors, with elevators positioned to the left and right when you enter.
The integrated entrance of the Sun Life Financial Centre, approaching completion.
Same entrance but inside the SLFC building atrium. Currently being used as a staging area and material storage but otherwise completed.
Looking down Queen Street from O'Connor towards Metcalfe. The street has been repaved and the street scape is almost completed.
This small section is all that remains to be done.
Looking down Queen from Bank towards O'Connor. This is essentially the only real section of Queen Street with large work still ongoing, but should be done by end of month latest if not sooner.

  Lyon Station

Integrated entrance to Lyon Station in the Podium Building. Notice the sleek entrance canopy above.
The Lyon Station signage looks amazing when lit up at night. You can see the elevators to the rear of the shot.
Corner of the station entrance. The white frame is the station name lantern, to be installed shortly. Further to the right, the wood planks between the glass are for another station name lantern.
The standalone kiosk entrance for Lyon Station at the corner of Lyon and Queen Streets.
The exterior is nearly completed. All that remains is the station name lantern, again to be mounted in the white metal frame. The wood planks in the windows are to shield from view the interior and protect the glass from the inside. They are not a sign of work to be done.
Notice the small pot lights mounted on the glass canopy.
Lyon Station O-Train marker. Very eye catching, especially at night.
This photo was taken on November 6th, a day before the rest of this blog entry. The sunset was too nice to pass up.
And finally the integrated entrance of Lyon Station from within the Place de Ville underground concourse.
All it is missing is the station name above the doors.

* Snapshot of Pimisi and uOttawa Stations - August 18, 2018

Pimisi Station

Pimisi Station and the Booth Street bridge as seen from near the War Museum
Outdoor public art on display next to the station and the multi use pathway
The main side of Pimisi Station
Main entrance and elevator. Note that this elevator and the one in the following 2-3 pictures accesses the multi use pathway only and does not access the interior of the station.
The second elevator that accesses the multi use pathway below the station
An underpass for the multi use pathway that runs beneath the tracks to the other side
Same part of the station as above but the other side with the tracks
The second entrance to Pimisi Station
The west portal downtown tunnel entrance just down the tracks
Stairs, escalator and elevator.
The station lantern sign to the left, awaiting assembly.

uOttawa Station 

uOttawa Station entrance from Colonel By Drive and the Rideau Canal.
uOttawa from the University Side of Nicholas Street.
There is an entrance directly to the westbound platform from Ottawa U campus. To go eastbound you need to go into the tunnel to access the station.
A view showing the tunnel in relation to the station above.
The new multi use pathway and ramp accessing the tunnel.
The Ottawa U side of the station. Ticket vending machines to the left.
And the station lantern sign.
The boarded off area is the main entrance, behind which are the fare gates.
The public art display in the tunnel. While it may appear to be simple face portraits, they have a filter in front. As you move past, the faces become animated and turn to look at and away from you as you move.
The main entrance, boarded off for now... beyond are the fare gates and access to the east and westbound platforms
Two elevators reaching the eastbound platform.
The wood slats that form the ceiling overhead with integrated lighting strips. A relatively simple design being used in pretty much all the stations but very effective and looks amazing.

* Snapshot of Parliament, Lyon, Pimisi, Bayview and Tunney's Pasture - June 13, 2019

Parliament Station 

The Parliament Station accessible entrance (elevators only), located at the corner of Queen and O'Connor.
Public Transit Regulations and Rules.
The entrance as seen from across the street.
O-Train lollistop marker.
Integrated entrance at corner of O'Connor and Queen. The ongoing work is related to renovations of the Heritage Building, 155 Queen, and not the station.
Station marker outside the Sunlife Financial Centre
Looking into the station building, you can see the escalator and stairs heading down towards the mezzanine. The far doors connect to the SLFC.
Looking down into the station.
The entrance integrated into the SLFC atrium.

Lyon Station

Integrated entrance to Lyon Station from the Podium Building.
Interior entrance from the underground concourse of Place de Ville.
The entrance is in the form of a ramp that makes you walk around...
And through another set of doors to reach the station.
The station entrance at the corner of Lyon and Queen. The surrounding area has been cleared for new developments, specifically the Claridge Moon project, which will see towers rise over the station.
Looking into the station entrance building from the main doors.
And the escalators and stairs.
Another angle , this time showing the top of the escalator and the elevators.

Pimisi Station 

Main entrance of the station.
The station entrance with fare gates and fare vending machines.
And immediately to the right, stairs and elevator to access the multi-use pathway located below.
Fare gates and the eastbound platform below in the distance.
Eastbound on the left, and Westbound on the right. Easily accessible from the centre platform of the station. Notice the incredible artwork mounted from the ceiling at platform level.
The secondary entrance located across the street.
The secondary entrance, with fare gates and fare vending machines.
The Pimisi Owl, no doubt to scare of troublesome birds.
Fare gates at this entrance.
The bus shelters of Pimisi Station. Bright, clean and spacious.
The station platform for the eastbound line.
Train arriving, heading towards Blair Station in the east.
View from the opposite side, showing the multi-use pathway, and the station plaza area.
Public art, "Pimisi", which means Eel in Algonquin.

Bayview Station

Station entrance from Albert Street, giving access directly to the Eastbound platform.
Stairs down towards the multi-use pathway network.
Confederation Line (Line 1) above and Trillium Line (Line 2) below.
Access to the multi-use pathway, as well as the lower entrance to Bayview Station, with direct access to the Trillium Line.
Trillium Line platform, with the lower entrance mentioned earlier in the rear.
The yellow track end buffer of the Trillium Line.
Blue public art in the plaza that also doubles as seating.
Lower entrance to Bayview from the multi-use pathway, with the Trillium Line platform directly beyond.

Tunney's Pasture 

Main entrance to Tunney's Pasture Station.
Looking inside beyond the fare gates. The future retail location will be along the glass wall to the left, between the stairs.
Another shot of the future retail location (the bench along the glass wall will no doubt be removed at that time).
Stairs down to the platforms.
The station is completed. Note that the exposed walls are for the installation of the station's public artworks. From what I understand, the installation didn't proceed sooner due to weather and temperature requirements.
Bike racks located outside the station.
Secondary entrance.
With more fare gates and fare vending machines.
Looking into the station and platforms.
You can see the Next Train destination signs on both sides of the track.
LRV 1105 departing for Blair Station. Trains will arrive and alternate from one platform to another, during the time that Tunney's is a terminus.
The tracks leaving Tunney's Pasture and heading towards Bayview. Notice the grey TPSS (Traction Power SubStation) to the left, providing the necessary line voltage of 1500v to the overhead catenary wire to power the trains.