LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

In response to growing concerns over escalating costs and delays in public transportation
projects across Quebec, the Outaouais region is taking proactive measures to ensure the
effective implementation of its future initiatives. A recent study conducted by the Centre for
Productivity and Prosperity at HEC Montréal highlights the urgent need for adopting best
practices and more stringent planning to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued projects in the past.

The study, led by Professor Jacques Roy, scrutinizes the factors contributing to cost overruns
and delays in major transportation ventures, with a special focus on Quebec’s experience. It
suggests that a significant portion of these projects encountered issues due to poor planning,
optimistic forecasts, and governance challenges. Despite these challenges, the Outaouais
region remains optimistic about its proposed tramway project, which aims to provide a
sustainable and efficient transportation solution by connecting residents to key destinations and
reducing traffic congestion.

In light of this, the Outaouais region, which has been exploring options for a tramway connecting
Gatineau to Ottawa and other transportation initiatives, is determined to learn from past
mistakes. Regional authorities are emphasizing the importance of clear forecasting and
justifying the necessity of projects to prevent embarking on ventures that may not align with
actual needs.

A key recommendation from the study is the adoption of a “think slow, act fast” approach, urging
for well-established plans before swiftly executing projects to minimize risks of cost escalation
and political interference. The establishment of Organizing Authorities for Transport (AOT) is
also highlighted to plan integrated public transport networks and ensure projects are not
disjointed and meet the real mobility needs of users.

The Outaouais region’s efforts to implement these recommendations come at a critical time as
the province of Quebec undergoes a reform to streamline the execution of public transport
projects. With billions of dollars at stake, the region is set on ensuring that its future projects are
not only justified but also carried out with the highest standards of planning and governance.
As the Outaouais region moves forward with its transportation plans, the lessons from the HEC
Montréal study serve as a crucial guide to prevent the repetition of costly errors and to foster a
more sustainable and efficient public transport system for its residents.

Photo: Amid concerns over rising costs and delays in Quebec’s public transportation projects,
the Outaouais region is proactively adopting best practices and stringent planning, as
recommended by a recent HEC Montréal study, to ensure the success of future initiatives. (TF)
Photo courtesy of The Walter J. Somers Foundation