Several municipalities across the province are getting a major financial boost to improve and enhance public transit.
Minister of Infrastructure MPP Monte McNaughton announced on Tuesday details of a joint effort, which aims to support public transit projects in municipalities outside of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) through a new program.
The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) "will unlock" $1.62 billion for municipalities to use for public transit projects. However, the total investment is up to $30 billion from all levels of government as part of a 10-year program.
"Our economy, our communities, and our families all rely on infrastructure," said McNaughton in a statement. "The public transit stream will build and improve urban transit networks and service extensions that will transform the way that the people of Ontario live, move and work."
Several municipalities have been allocated funds for transit purposes.
The office of MPP Rick Nicholls issued a media release stating that Chatham-Kent would receive $3,604,587. Meanwhile, Leamington will get $470,518. This comes shortly after another recent funding announcement by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, which allocated $725,000 to Chatham-Kent and $620,201 to Leamington.
“Transit is one of the biggest issues I encounter in Chatham-Kent-Leamington. Jobs in greenhouses, refineries, and farms are growing but if people living in town can’t get to the worksite then the good news doesn’t help them or their family,” said Nicholls in a statement. “Good transit is key to our growth, and even if you don’t use it the decrease in congestion helps you on your own commute.”
Eighty-five municipalities (including CK and Leamington) are considered eligible for the ICIP. The eligible municipalities will be able to submit nominations for their most critical transit projects on April 2 under the ICIP, which will highlight the priority areas.
