The City of Ottawa has officially kicked off its 2025 construction season, unveiling a significant infrastructure investment plan totaling approximately $763 million. With hundreds of projects underway, this year's construction season marks one of the most ambitious in recent memory.
At the launch event held at the Bank Street renewal project site, Public Works and Infrastructure Committee Chair Tim Tierney, joined by Councillors Riley Brockington, Marty Carr, and Shawn Menard, highlighted the breadth of the city’s infrastructure renewal efforts. The event underscored Ottawa’s ongoing transformation across key infrastructure sectors.
The city’s $763 million investment will span a wide array of projects, with funding allocated across multiple infrastructure categories:
$89.6 million for road rehabilitation – resurfacing and upgrading existing roadways across the city to improve drivability and extend lifespan.
$52.2 million for structures and bridges – including $17.7 million dedicated to repairing and replacing culverts.
$68.2 million for buildings and parks – including public facility upgrades and green space enhancements.
$62.6 million for drinking water infrastructure and $17.5 million for water treatment – ensuring reliable access to clean water and modernizing treatment systems.
$11.89 million for sidewalks and pathways – supporting accessibility and walkability.
$200 million for integrated road, sewer, and sidewalk projects – comprehensive work that modernizes multiple layers of infrastructure.
$34 million for stormwater management – aimed at mitigating flooding and improving runoff control.
$165.2 million for wastewater treatment – supporting environmentally responsible waste processing.
Ottawa Construction News reports that in total, the city has approximately 700 active infrastructure projects valued at $2.8 billion, demonstrating a massive effort to future-proof Ottawa’s public services and built environment.
This multi-year, full-scale reconstruction covers a 2.8 km stretch from Riverside Drive to Ledbury Avenue. The work includes:
Complete reconstruction of underground utilities, including aging sewers and watermains.
Installation of new sidewalks, street furniture, lighting, protected intersections, and cycle tracks.
Streetscape reconfiguration to improve safety and aesthetics.
Construction will take place year-round with expected completion in mid-to-late 2027.
Major progress continues on the O-Train’s east and west extensions. Summer 2025 will see peak construction activity, including:
Roadworks on Highway 174 to support rail infrastructure.
Richmond Road Revitalization Project with planned closures and detours starting May 12 and extending through late 2025.
Work on Highway 417 includes:
Median reconstruction between the O-Train bridges and Kent Street.
Lane shifts and closures running from May 20 to October 30.
Ramp closures at Pinecrest and Richmond roads through August for ongoing LRT work.
Bridge projects include:
Ongoing rehabilitation of Mackenzie King Bridge (completion expected by end of 2025).
Renewal of the St. Patrick Street and Porter Island bridges.
MacLaren and Lyon Streets: Sewer and water upgrades alongside road resurfacing.
Ella and Ralph Streets: Modernization with added traffic calming measures.
Greenfield Avenue, Main Street, and Hawthorne Avenue: Comprehensive underground utility and streetscape renewals.
Morisset Avenue Pump Station: New infrastructure to support water flow and resilience.
Harlington Hill Reservoir Renewal: Upgrades to water storage and distribution capacity.
Moonies Bay Pavilion Upgrades: Enhancements to public amenities.
Alexander Community Centre Renewal: Facility modernization to meet community needs.
With hundreds of concurrent projects, the 2025 construction season in Ottawa will require a wide range of skilled tradespeople and laborers. These include:
Heavy equipment operators – for excavation, grading, and site preparation.
Concrete formers and finishers – essential for bridgework, sidewalks, and roadways.
Utility installation workers – including sewer, watermain, and stormwater system specialists.
Electricians and signal technicians – responsible for traffic systems and street lighting.
Pipefitters and plumbers – for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
Road construction crews – to perform resurfacing and asphalt work.
Structural steel and bridge workers – for the rehabilitation of bridges and overpasses.
Carpenters and building envelope contractors – for park and public facility upgrades.
Landscapers and urban forestry specialists – for tree planting and greenspace development.
General laborers and safety personnel – to support a variety of site operations.
Each project contributes to the local construction economy while offering long-term improvements to Ottawa’s infrastructure. These initiatives not only enhance quality of life but also provide consistent employment for tradespeople and construction firms throughout the region.
Ottawa’s 2025 construction season is defined by investment in resilience, sustainability, and modernization. From street-level improvements to buried infrastructure and transit expansions, the projects reflect the city's commitment to proactive planning and infrastructure renewal.
With shovels in the ground across every corner of the city, workers in the construction industry will play a pivotal role in turning these plans into reality—rebuilding not just roads and bridges, but a stronger and more connected Ottawa for years to come.