Several Midwestern Ontario Communities will see new momentum in improving local transportation, thanks to federal investments through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund. Seventeen municipalities, including the counties of Bruce, Grey, and Dufferin, as well as the municipalities of North Perth and St. Marys, are receiving support to advance planning and development of more accessible transit options.
A key regional initiative involves a comprehensive assessment of transportation services within Bruce, Grey, and Dufferin counties. The group is receiving $50,000 in RTS funding for a study to examine how existing systems operate, identify gaps in service, and evaluate opportunities to develop a coordinated transit model that better serves residents across the three counties. This work aims to create a more consistent and connected transportation network for rural communities that often face limited mobility options.
Grey County is leading the regional project and will receive federal funding to support the assessment process. The results are expected to provide a clearer picture of current needs and guide future transit planning throughout the area.
North Perth and St. Marys will receive $50,000 from the latest round of federal transit investments. The funding will cover a study to collect and analyze data to support the planning of a transit system for the communities of North Perth and St. Marys.
"Investments like these strengthen the transportation networks that people in rural and remote communities rely on every day," said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. "They're not just about improving transit—they're investments to build our communities strong, helping people stay connected to opportunities close to home."
The projects are part of more than $3.7 million in federal funding awarded to 17 communities across Ontario. The investment supports rural regions as they work to strengthen transportation systems, improve accessibility, and build more reliable connections for residents.
