Building Bridges Through the LRT: A Creative Connection for Ottawa

The upcoming LRT expansion is more than just a transit project; it’s a powerful opportunity to bring people, ideas, and communities closer together. For the Ottawa School of Art (OSA), the new line will help unite its two vibrant campuses: the downtown location and the Shenkman Arts Centre in the Heart of Orléans BIA.

We spoke with Andrew Fay, Executive Director of the Ottawa School of Art, about what this connection means for the school, its students, and the broader arts community.

A Seamless Link

“The LRT will provide a seamless link between our downtown campus and the Shenkman Arts Centre in the Heart of Orléans BIA,” Andrew explains. This improved connection will reduce travel time and make both locations more accessible, allowing students, faculty, and audiences to move more freely between the two hubs of creativity.

Expanding Community Access

For many learners, especially youth, seniors, and newcomers who may not have access to a car, reliable public transit is essential. “Easier transit means more equitable access for our students, staff, and visitors,” Andrew says. The LRT will make it simpler to attend classes, exhibitions, and events without the barrier of long or complicated commutes.

Supporting Growth and Participation

With faster, more reliable transportation, OSA expects greater participation in its programs and events. The LRT will open new doors: downtown residents will have easier access to courses in Orléans, while east-end residents can more fully engage with downtown programming. The result? Increased enrollment, a broader audience, and stronger creative exchange across the city.

Strengthening the Arts Community

The LRT is also a tool for collaboration. Andrew highlights how the expansion will “make partnerships much more feasible.” From joint programming with the Shenkman Arts Centre to shared festivals with other east-end organizations, easier travel across Ottawa will foster a stronger, more integrated arts community.

Looking Ahead

What excites OSA most is the future potential. “The LRT is not just about moving people—it’s about building bridges between communities,” Andrew reflects. For the Ottawa School of Art, it represents a future where art education and cultural experiences are more accessible, where campuses feel united, and where the broader Ottawa community can engage with the arts without barriers.

The Heart of Orléans BIA is excited to see how projects like the LRT can help fuel connection, creativity, and community across our city.