The head of the consortium that built the $2.1-billion Confederation light rail line is stepping down after two years on the job.
Peter Lauch is leaving his post as CEO of the Rideau Transit Group on July 10, the organization said in a news release on Monday. He has led the partnership of ACS Infrastructure, Ellis-Don and SNC-Lavalin since the summer of 2018.
Last year, Lauch also took on the additional role of chief executive of Rideau Transit Maintenance, which is responsible for maintaining the 12.5-kilometre light rail system.
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“When I accepted the challenge to head up RTG, my primary objective was to oversee the transition into revenue service,” Lauch said in a statement on Monday. “The RTM role was taken to quarterback the restructuring of Rideau Transit Maintenance. It was always my intention to stay on for the time necessary to complete those undertakings.”
RTG said in a statement it would announce a transition plan in the coming days.
“Peter’s tireless dedication to the project and his forthright transparency with all stakeholders have been hallmarks of his tenure,” the consortium said.
The east-west rail line has been plagued with service issues since it opened last September. The system is currently closed for maintenance and repairs after a series of problems with components ranging from the doors and brakes to the on-board computers and overhead power systems. The city wants to have all the problems solved by the end of August, but last week OC Transpo boss John Manconi questioned RTG’s ability to meet that timeline.
Before taking on the top job at RTG, Lauch was a senior manager with the consortium for five years as it planned the massive Confederation Line project. He previously spent more than two decades at Ottawa turbine engine testing firm MDS Aero Support, where he led the company’s project management team.
