No. H 174/09
For release - December 21, 2009
TORONTO — Construction on the Sheppard East Light Rail Transit (LRT) is underway. This new transit line will create jobs, help increase ridership, improve air quality, reduce travel time and increase access to other transit systems in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas) and Member of Parliament (Thornhill); the Honourable Jim Bradley, Ontario Transportation Minister; His Worship David Miller, Mayor of Toronto; Rob MacIsaac, Chair of Metrolinx; and Adam Giambrone, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Chair, celebrated the groundbreaking today at the Agincourt GO Station.
"Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is pleased to invest in this project that will contribute to economic growth in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, and keep Ontarians working," said Minister Kent. "This transit line will provide residents, students and commuters with an additional transportation choice, improving their ability to travel quickly and efficiently."
"The McGuinty government is moving quickly to build a comprehensive public transit network for commuters in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area," said Minister Bradley. "By providing more convenient, affordable, faster rides on public transit, we are tackling congestion, creating jobs, stimulating the economy and improving the air we breathe."
"The Sheppard East LRT has become a reality through the cooperation of the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and City of Toronto. All levels of government have shown a commitment to making public transit in Toronto a priority," said Mayor Miller. "This transit route will support the City of Toronto's Official Plan and contribute to city building initiatives in the Sheppard corridor."
"The Sheppard East LRT is one of many projects that Metrolinx is now implementing from its regional transportation plan, The Big Move," said Metrolinx President and CEO Rob Pritchard. "Metrolinx is proud to facilitate this project that will provide more reliable and increased service along this key transit corridor and will allow customers to easily travel across the region."
"The Sheppard East LRT will bring quick, reliable public transit to Sheppard Avenue as part of Transit City, a network of rapid rail transit that will connect residents, businesses and communities across Toronto," said TTC chair Giambrone. "Sheppard is the first Transit City line to promote local economic development and create attractive neighbourhoods with greater access to amenities, jobs and schools."
Metrolinx will oversee the implementation of the project by the TTC and own the new light rail line, which will be fully integrated into the current Toronto transit system. The 14-kilometre light rail line will be built on Sheppard Avenue East in a dedicated right of way running from the Don Mills Subway Station to Meadowvale Road.
The Sheppard East LRT is part of the Transit City initiative to expand rapid transit to all neighbourhoods throughout Toronto. The new line will replace the Scarborough East bus line and connect to the Sheppard Subway Line, the York Region Transit / VIVA bus service and GO Transit's rail service at the Agincourt GO Station, as well as to future planned transit expansions.
On May 15, 2009, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced a federal-provincial funding partnership to build the Sheppard East LRT. The Government of Canada will contribute one-third of the total cost, to a maximum of $333 million, with the Province of Ontario providing two-thirds, or more than $633 million.
For more information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Learn how the Government of Ontario is helping build and revitalize infrastructure across the province at www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/infrastructure.
For information on The Big Move, the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan, and its priority projects, visit www.metrolinx.com.
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