New federal-provincial funding agreement makes 57 public transit projects possible in Ottawa

_ (Via Government of Canada) _ The governments of Canada and Ontario, as well as municipalities across Ontario are making investments that will help create jobs and grow the middle class now while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.

Catherine McKenna, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Yasir Naqvi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa Centre, and His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa today announced that 57 transit infrastructure projects totaling $155,900,000 will be getting under way in Ottawa thanks to the signing of an agreement with the Province of Ontario that brings a new federal infrastructure funding program into effect: the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF).

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The PTIF will make over $2.97 billion in combined funding available to Ontario communities for public transit projects that will help ensure residents across the province get to work on time and back home safely at the end of a long day.

The Ottawa projects include the purchase of two sets of trains for the second stage of the Ottawa light-rail system, 17 new vehicles for Ottawa’s bus fleet, extensive improvements to bus routes and transit corridors, and pedestrian and cycling bridges to connect pathways to light rail stations. This work will improve the flow of public transit in the city and prepare for future construction of the light-rail and other important projects.

These are among 168 projects approved for funding so far under the new program in Ontario.

Quotes

“Good public transit infrastructure is fundamental to economic growth and building an inclusive society. I’m very pleased to see that, amongst many beneficial projects, this collaborative funding program will provide support to the construction of a pedestrian and cycling bridge to connect Old Ottawa East, Old Ottawa South and the Glebe. This bridge will make walking and cycling safer options for Ottawa Centre residents and will contribute to a more livable and environmentally sustainable city.”

Catherine McKenna, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Centre

“Building, maintaining and modernizing transit is a key priority for our government. As cities and towns grow, we need to invest in projects that will strengthen our regional transit networks and improve quality of life for the people who live and work in this province. I am thrilled that all levels of government are working together to help build our province up.”

Yasir Naqvi, MPP, Ottawa-Centre

“Federal investment in Ottawa’s pedestrian, cycling and public transit systems will provide long-term benefits for our residents and their families", said Mayor Jim Watson. “This is a new era of collaboration during which our three levels of Government work together to make transformative investments that will improve the lives of Ottawa residents.”

Mayor Jim Watson, City of Ottawa

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List of all Ontario PTIF projects approved to date: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/pt-sp/pt-sp-on-eng.html Quick facts

 PTIF funding is part of Phase 1 of Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada’s historic $120-billion plan to support public infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years.

 Phase 1 provides more than $11.9 billion in investments to support public transit systems, green infrastructure projects, and social infrastructure projects. Details on Phase 2 of Investing in Canada will be announced over the next year.

 Under the PTIF agreement, the Government of Canada has made its funding retroactive to April 1, 2016, so projects can proceed without delay to ensure a productive construction season.

Associated links

 Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/on-eng.html

 Investing in Canada: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/index-eng.html

 Public Transit Infrastructure Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php  Have your say on infrastructure: infraconsults.ca