Local companies compete for light-rail projects
250 representatives pitch to three consortia bidding for Ottawa's LRT contract
CBC News
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 1:41 PM ET
Last Updated: Feb 10, 2012 6:47 AM ET
Scott Garrod of Kott Lumber, pictured in blue, speaks with an attendee at the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Trade Show held on Thursday. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)More than 250 representatives from 65 companies were pitching to become part of Ottawa's $2.1-billion light-rail project during an LRT-specifc trade show on Thursday.
The city, partnering with the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Business Journal, hosted the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Trade Show at the CE Centre.
Three international consortia are bidding for the project, and the consortiums were meeting local suppliers hoping to get a piece of the action.
Following a video presentation and welcome speeches over breakfast, Mayor Jim Watson invited attendees to start talking.
Warren Fisher's small company Braycor, which has 12 employees, is hoping to supply Ottawa light rail with a warning system for visually impaired riders.
"Yeah, we're looking for any opportunity we have where we can … differentiate ourselves," Fisher said Thursday.
Scott Garrod of Kott Lumber said a subcontract would help keep the company's 250 employees on Moodie Drive busy through slow winter months.
"Right now we're the only construction material company that's standing up here," Garrod said, "so hopefully the consortia see that and know that locally is the way to go."
The city is expected to announce the winning bidder in December.
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