Public has first look inside new O-Train station at Doors Open Ottawa

Crowds of people across Ottawa got a rare inside look at buildings in the city that are usually closed to the public. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

It’s an exciting weekend in the city for residents and visitors, with Doors Open Ottawa returning to the nation’s capital this weekend.

The unique opportunity gives the community a behind-the-door look at the many iconic and historic buildings that are not usually open to the public or are not free to enter.

Some buildings include the Ottawa Art Gallery, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Lemieux Island water treatment plant.

Along with historic landmarks this year, OC Transpo opened its doors to the upgraded Trim Station.

The former Transitway station is not operational yet, but potential riders and the public were invited to view the upgrades, along with a tour of the trains from conductors.

Trim Station will soon serve as the final stop for O-Train Lines 1 when the line is extended from Blair Station.

“It’s really great to be out here today, the community of Orléans is really excited for this new station to open,” said OC Transpo public information officer, Katrina Camposarcone-Stubbs.

“It’s the station that’s furthest east on the soon to be extended O-Train Line 1. Really excited to see people out here, they’re excited to see the trains in the stations.”

Officials have not said when the eastern extension will officially open but outgoing OC Transpo general manager of transit services Renee Amilcar has previously mentioned a fall for opening to passengers.

People were also invited to check out one of the newest historical sites in the city, the Dominion Observatory.

Tours were guided around the site along with a chance to look through a telescope.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was also making the rounds to different sites on Saturday.

“You get a chance to go inside religious institutions, public infrastructure, city hall and other buildings all over our city where you might not otherwise have the opportunity to see what’s going on there,” Sutcliffe said.

“It’s a great event, and I’m grateful to all the volunteers who were involved and all the people who have opened their doors to the city today.”

Doors Open Ottawa runs until Sunday.