David Bellerive
@dbellerive.ca
I don’t just write about infrastructure: I want to help build it.
Public systems, trust, delivery. EN/FR
https://dbellerive.ca
Public systems, trust, delivery. EN/FR
https://dbellerive.ca
A quiet year-end reflection.
Learning closer to delivery. Listening more. Things starting to align.
open.substack.com/pub/dbelleri...
Learning closer to delivery. Listening more. Things starting to align.
open.substack.com/pub/dbelleri...
2025: A Year Spent Learning
A year-end reflection on delivery, capacity, and learning closer to the systems that shape everyday life.
open.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:29 AM
A quiet year-end reflection.
Learning closer to delivery. Listening more. Things starting to align.
open.substack.com/pub/dbelleri...
Learning closer to delivery. Listening more. Things starting to align.
open.substack.com/pub/dbelleri...
Without a doubt my favourite video to work on each year. There is so much going on across Canada, and even more to come!
It’s that time of year again... Coast to Coast 2025!
@dbellerive.ca's annual coast-to-coast deep dive into the progress of passenger rail projects across Canada, and there’s a lot to look back on this year! One of David's favourite videos to research and produce.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW6l...
@dbellerive.ca's annual coast-to-coast deep dive into the progress of passenger rail projects across Canada, and there’s a lot to look back on this year! One of David's favourite videos to research and produce.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW6l...
Coast to Coast 2025: The Evolving State of Passenger Rail in Canada
YouTube video by Rail Fans Canada
www.youtube.com
December 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Without a doubt my favourite video to work on each year. There is so much going on across Canada, and even more to come!
Going live in 25 minutes!
If you want to share your story, you can call from 12 to 1pm at 1-888-817-8995. I am looking forward to hearing them all!
You can listen to the program via CBC Radio in Ontario or online on the CBC Toronto website!
If you want to share your story, you can call from 12 to 1pm at 1-888-817-8995. I am looking forward to hearing them all!
You can listen to the program via CBC Radio in Ontario or online on the CBC Toronto website!
RFC on CBC Radio today! 🚆
@dbellerive.ca will be on Ontario Today this Tuesday (Dec 23) from 12–1 PM talking train travel in Canada — the good, the bad, and everything in between. Tune in and call with your train stories!
@dbellerive.ca will be on Ontario Today this Tuesday (Dec 23) from 12–1 PM talking train travel in Canada — the good, the bad, and everything in between. Tune in and call with your train stories!
December 23, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Going live in 25 minutes!
If you want to share your story, you can call from 12 to 1pm at 1-888-817-8995. I am looking forward to hearing them all!
You can listen to the program via CBC Radio in Ontario or online on the CBC Toronto website!
If you want to share your story, you can call from 12 to 1pm at 1-888-817-8995. I am looking forward to hearing them all!
You can listen to the program via CBC Radio in Ontario or online on the CBC Toronto website!
Reposted by David Bellerive
RFC on CBC Radio today! 🚆
@dbellerive.ca will be on Ontario Today this Tuesday (Dec 23) from 12–1 PM talking train travel in Canada — the good, the bad, and everything in between. Tune in and call with your train stories!
@dbellerive.ca will be on Ontario Today this Tuesday (Dec 23) from 12–1 PM talking train travel in Canada — the good, the bad, and everything in between. Tune in and call with your train stories!
December 23, 2025 at 2:16 PM
RFC on CBC Radio today! 🚆
@dbellerive.ca will be on Ontario Today this Tuesday (Dec 23) from 12–1 PM talking train travel in Canada — the good, the bad, and everything in between. Tune in and call with your train stories!
@dbellerive.ca will be on Ontario Today this Tuesday (Dec 23) from 12–1 PM talking train travel in Canada — the good, the bad, and everything in between. Tune in and call with your train stories!
This might be the FINAL Stage 2 East update before trial running and (hopefully) the opening of the extension in early 2026! Exciting times are coming in Ottawa!
A look at #Ottawa ’s O-Train Stage 2 East Extension today 🚆
Join us trackside for a December 2025 walkthrough from Blair to Trim Rd, showcasing station design, trackwork, and the current state of the system as it nears completion.
▶️ youtu.be/cN-LVsxG2q0
Join us trackside for a December 2025 walkthrough from Blair to Trim Rd, showcasing station design, trackwork, and the current state of the system as it nears completion.
▶️ youtu.be/cN-LVsxG2q0
Tracking the Progress: Ottawa’s O-Train Stage 2 Eastern Extension - December 2025
YouTube video by Rail Fans Canada
youtu.be
December 15, 2025 at 7:23 PM
This might be the FINAL Stage 2 East update before trial running and (hopefully) the opening of the extension in early 2026! Exciting times are coming in Ottawa!
Exciting update this morning, just in time for our yearly recap of progress of rail projects across Canada! 😉
Full speed ahead: Ottawa–Montreal chosen as starting point for Alto High-Speed Rail. Construction of the Ottawa-Montreal segment is expected to begin in 2029. Beginning in January 2026, Alto will begin a comprehensive three-month consultation process.
forum.railfans.ca/topic/1171-f...
forum.railfans.ca/topic/1171-f...
December 12, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Exciting update this morning, just in time for our yearly recap of progress of rail projects across Canada! 😉
Reposted by David Bellerive
Explore McGill REM Station — the network’s second busiest stop after Gare Centrale. Take a walkthrough with us to see its layout, design features, and what riders can expect as they move through this key hub in downtown #Montreal. 🎥 youtu.be/z23j0sY5tl4
December 8, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Explore McGill REM Station — the network’s second busiest stop after Gare Centrale. Take a walkthrough with us to see its layout, design features, and what riders can expect as they move through this key hub in downtown #Montreal. 🎥 youtu.be/z23j0sY5tl4
Reposted by David Bellerive
Experience the first day of service on Montréal’s Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) Deux-Montagnes branch through a cinematic look at the REM’s newest trains, stations, and the Mount Royal Tunnel.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MLH...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MLH...
A Cinematic Journey Through Montréal’s REM Deux-Montagnes Branch - First Day in Service
YouTube video by Rail Fans Canada
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Experience the first day of service on Montréal’s Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) Deux-Montagnes branch through a cinematic look at the REM’s newest trains, stations, and the Mount Royal Tunnel.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MLH...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MLH...
November 17, 2025 at 7:14 PM
November 17, 2025 at 1:47 PM
From some rails fans to others! See you on the REM! @milesintransit.com @railfans.ca @remgrandmtl.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 11:04 AM
From some rails fans to others! See you on the REM! @milesintransit.com @railfans.ca @remgrandmtl.bsky.social
We keep buying hundred-million-dollar tunnel boring machines like they’re single-use coffee pods.
Canada’s biggest infrastructure problem isn’t technical; it’s continuity. It is time to move beyond projects into programs.
open.substack.com/pub/dbelleri...
Canada’s biggest infrastructure problem isn’t technical; it’s continuity. It is time to move beyond projects into programs.
open.substack.com/pub/dbelleri...
Stop Buying TBMs Like They’re Disposable
We don’t just waste machines: we waste momentum. It’s time to move from one-off projects to continuous programs.
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:14 PM
We keep buying hundred-million-dollar tunnel boring machines like they’re single-use coffee pods.
Canada’s biggest infrastructure problem isn’t technical; it’s continuity. It is time to move beyond projects into programs.
open.substack.com/pub/dbelleri...
Canada’s biggest infrastructure problem isn’t technical; it’s continuity. It is time to move beyond projects into programs.
open.substack.com/pub/dbelleri...
Reposted by David Bellerive
Did you know that when Mount Dennis GO opens this Sunday. It'll be 3x faster to get to Union Station than it currently takes. The fastest trips today take around 45 minutes, on Sunday it'll take just 13 minutes. This is the power of regional rail.
November 11, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Did you know that when Mount Dennis GO opens this Sunday. It'll be 3x faster to get to Union Station than it currently takes. The fastest trips today take around 45 minutes, on Sunday it'll take just 13 minutes. This is the power of regional rail.
Reposted by David Bellerive
Today, Lansdowne 2.0 was passed with a 15 - 10 vote at Council. This is going to be an important issue in 2026, and I hope you'll stay engaged with Council in the coming months.
November 7, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Today, Lansdowne 2.0 was passed with a 15 - 10 vote at Council. This is going to be an important issue in 2026, and I hope you'll stay engaged with Council in the coming months.
Reposted by David Bellerive
Reposted by David Bellerive
Just can't help but laugh at this
November 7, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Just can't help but laugh at this
Ottawa just voted 15–10 for Lansdowne 2.0, a “revitalization” that saddles taxpayers with decades of debt so OSEG can call it partnership.
The city gets the bill, OSEG gets the benefit.
A ridiculous decision that will define Ottawa’s future for generations. Shame on council.
#OttCity #Lansdowne2
The city gets the bill, OSEG gets the benefit.
A ridiculous decision that will define Ottawa’s future for generations. Shame on council.
#OttCity #Lansdowne2
November 7, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Ottawa just voted 15–10 for Lansdowne 2.0, a “revitalization” that saddles taxpayers with decades of debt so OSEG can call it partnership.
The city gets the bill, OSEG gets the benefit.
A ridiculous decision that will define Ottawa’s future for generations. Shame on council.
#OttCity #Lansdowne2
The city gets the bill, OSEG gets the benefit.
A ridiculous decision that will define Ottawa’s future for generations. Shame on council.
#OttCity #Lansdowne2
Another exciting milestone for @railfans.ca! We look forward to sharing more content with you over the coming months!
8,000 subscribers! We’re thrilled to see so many people sharing our love for Canada’s rail systems. Thank you for coming aboard and being part of this incredible journey! YouTube.railfans.ca
November 7, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Another exciting milestone for @railfans.ca! We look forward to sharing more content with you over the coming months!
FACT: Amtrak's Cascades colour scheme slaps.
A great execution of brand, identity and recalled not just outside, but inside too. Bravo.
A great execution of brand, identity and recalled not just outside, but inside too. Bravo.
October 22, 2025 at 4:14 PM
FACT: Amtrak's Cascades colour scheme slaps.
A great execution of brand, identity and recalled not just outside, but inside too. Bravo.
A great execution of brand, identity and recalled not just outside, but inside too. Bravo.
Reposted by David Bellerive
Nothing says “meh” like a green PVC roof as “nod to the parliament buildings”
Talk about grasping for straws. (Flips desk)
@alexbozikovic.bsky.social
Talk about grasping for straws. (Flips desk)
@alexbozikovic.bsky.social
October 22, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Nothing says “meh” like a green PVC roof as “nod to the parliament buildings”
Talk about grasping for straws. (Flips desk)
@alexbozikovic.bsky.social
Talk about grasping for straws. (Flips desk)
@alexbozikovic.bsky.social
Reposted by David Bellerive
it's amazing that approximately 70 kilometres of rail transit will be inaugurated in canada over the next few months
(eglinton crosstown + finch west + o-train east + rem deux-montagnes)
(eglinton crosstown + finch west + o-train east + rem deux-montagnes)
Sources indicate that Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) is expected to take over the O-Train East Extension on Oct 27. News on Substantial Completion is anticipated soon to support this milestone. Pre-trial running is planned on Nov 03, one week after substantial completion.
October 19, 2025 at 7:23 PM
it's amazing that approximately 70 kilometres of rail transit will be inaugurated in canada over the next few months
(eglinton crosstown + finch west + o-train east + rem deux-montagnes)
(eglinton crosstown + finch west + o-train east + rem deux-montagnes)
Ribbon cuttings make headlines. But delivery doesn’t end there.
Hospitals, transit lines, campuses: what matters is whether they work, year after year.
New piece on why Canada must fund operations as seriously as construction:
dbellerive.substack.com/p/delivery-d...
Hospitals, transit lines, campuses: what matters is whether they work, year after year.
New piece on why Canada must fund operations as seriously as construction:
dbellerive.substack.com/p/delivery-d...
Delivery Doesn’t End at the Ribbon Cutting
Approvals and ribbon cuttings make headlines, but the real test of delivery is what comes after: the ability to run, staff, and sustain services for decades.
dbellerive.substack.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Ribbon cuttings make headlines. But delivery doesn’t end there.
Hospitals, transit lines, campuses: what matters is whether they work, year after year.
New piece on why Canada must fund operations as seriously as construction:
dbellerive.substack.com/p/delivery-d...
Hospitals, transit lines, campuses: what matters is whether they work, year after year.
New piece on why Canada must fund operations as seriously as construction:
dbellerive.substack.com/p/delivery-d...
My latest video for Rail Fans Canada! Exciting progress along the tracks of Stage 2 East in Ottawa. Hopefully we have some good news later this year regarding the timeline for this transformative project to open.
On September 13, 2025, OC Transpo and the East-West Connectors consortium carried out the first full performance test of the Stage 2 East Ext. Captured here is exclusive footage of the test, including trains passing through the stations and along the 174.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG-U...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG-U...
Ottawa's O-Train Stage 2 East Testing: On Track for Revenue Service
YouTube video by Rail Fans Canada
www.youtube.com
September 15, 2025 at 7:48 PM
My latest video for Rail Fans Canada! Exciting progress along the tracks of Stage 2 East in Ottawa. Hopefully we have some good news later this year regarding the timeline for this transformative project to open.
“Efficiencies” don’t balance the books: they erode services and trust in our governments, institutions and organizations.
My first (!!!) op-ed in the Ottawa Citizen: Why respect for taxpayers must mean real investment in transit, housing, and climate resilience.
ottawacitizen.com/opinion/taxp...
My first (!!!) op-ed in the Ottawa Citizen: Why respect for taxpayers must mean real investment in transit, housing, and climate resilience.
ottawacitizen.com/opinion/taxp...
Bellerive: Ottawa taxpayers get no respect in latest budget proposal
The city does not have a budget problem. It has a priorities problem. And it targets the wrong people to fix it.
ottawacitizen.com
August 27, 2025 at 2:58 PM
“Efficiencies” don’t balance the books: they erode services and trust in our governments, institutions and organizations.
My first (!!!) op-ed in the Ottawa Citizen: Why respect for taxpayers must mean real investment in transit, housing, and climate resilience.
ottawacitizen.com/opinion/taxp...
My first (!!!) op-ed in the Ottawa Citizen: Why respect for taxpayers must mean real investment in transit, housing, and climate resilience.
ottawacitizen.com/opinion/taxp...
Canada doesn’t suffer from a lack of plans. It suffers from a lack of delivery.
The new Major Projects Office is a step forward, but the real test is whether Canada can build the capacity to deliver.
dbellerive.substack.com/p/the-time-t...
#Infrastructure #Canada #Delivery
The new Major Projects Office is a step forward, but the real test is whether Canada can build the capacity to deliver.
dbellerive.substack.com/p/the-time-t...
#Infrastructure #Canada #Delivery
The Time To Start Building Is Now
Announcements are easy; delivery is what matters. Canada’s future depends on building not just projects, but the capacity to execute them.
dbellerive.substack.com
August 22, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Canada doesn’t suffer from a lack of plans. It suffers from a lack of delivery.
The new Major Projects Office is a step forward, but the real test is whether Canada can build the capacity to deliver.
dbellerive.substack.com/p/the-time-t...
#Infrastructure #Canada #Delivery
The new Major Projects Office is a step forward, but the real test is whether Canada can build the capacity to deliver.
dbellerive.substack.com/p/the-time-t...
#Infrastructure #Canada #Delivery