Projects will mean safer, faster, more convenient commutes and new jobs
The Voice of Canada News:
Ontario’s government is working for the people by investing up to $103.5 million in 10 new transit infrastructure projects that will mean safer roads, easier commutes and new jobs in the London area.
“London is a fast-growing region, and our government is investing in infrastructure that will keep pace and build for the future,” said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. “These projects will reduce congestion, improve commutes, connect neighbourhoods and businesses, and people to jobs. Our government is investing in what matters most.”
Minister Scott announced today that 10 transit infrastructure projects are being nominated for federal approval under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). ICIP supports public transit, roads and bridges and other crucial infrastructure like culture and recreation projects. The projects that are nominated include the purchase of 31 new buses, upgrading signal networks to improve traffic flow, and installing 60 new bus shelters.
The next step is for the federal government to review the projects and make final funding decisions. Most of these projects are shovel-ready and contingent on federal funding approval and could begin construction as soon as 2020.
“Our government’s transit vision is helping to get people moving by improving our transportation network and creating a better transit experience for commuters,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “We’re continuing to work with municipalities to make smart investments in our roads and local transit services that keep them reliable for workers, families and businesses.”
“We want to see London continue to serve and grow as a leader in commerce, culture and innovation. These projects are all important to the sustainability and economic future of this region, and our province,” said Scott. “We are excited to get these projects started. Now it’s up to the federal government to approve them.”
QUICK FACTS
London has the fifth busiest transit system in Ontario, trailing only Toronto, Ottawa, Metrolinx (GO Transit) and Mississauga.
London Transit transported more than 23 million passengers in 2018.
The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is a 10-year program that provides up to $30 billion in federal, provincial and local investments in communities across the province. Funding will be distributed between four streams: Rural and Northern, Public Transit, Green and Community, Culture and Recreation.
Ontario’s share per project will be up to 33.33 per cent, or about $10.2 billion spread across the four streams.
The Public Transit stream for municipalities outside of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) launched on April 2 and closed on May 28, 2019. The province is reviewing over 200 applications received by more than 50 municipalities for provincial approval.
The combined investment from the federal, provincial and local governments for the 10 transit projects forwarded under the Public Transit stream would be more than $310 million for London.
In May 2019, the government also nominated five major transit projects in the City of Toronto and Region of York to the federal government for approval, as well as 49 priority road and bridges projects under the Rural and Northern stream.
