New public transit funding available for transformative infrastructure projects in Durham Region

News release

Supporting new projects that build prosperous communities and transition to a clean growth economy

Regional Municipality of Durham, Ontario, March 16, 2018—The governments of Canada and Ontario are working together to make long-term infrastructure investments to create economic growth, build inclusive communities and support a low carbon, green economy–leading to a higher quality of life for all Canadians.

On March 14, 2018, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, announced the signing of a bilateral agreement that will provide more than $11.8 billion through the Investing in Canada plan over the next decade in federal funding dedicated to infrastructure projects. The projects supported through this agreement will have a total value of over $31 billion, including $10 billion committed by the Ontario government. These projects will be cost-shared with the Ontario government, municipalities and other partners.

Through this agreement, the governments of Canada and Ontario will be making unprecedented investments in public transit, green infrastructure, and recreational and cultural infrastructure.

Under the public transit stream, Durham Region will receive $94,988,054 in federal funding and $78,373,394 in provincial funding to build new urban transit networks and service extensions that will transform the way residents live, move and work.

These investments will make a positive difference in communities, resulting in the better movement of people and goods, providing clean air and water, and enabling smarter and more efficient cities.

Quotes

“Efficient and sustainable public transit plays an important role in keeping our communities among the best places in the world to live, while contributing to clean economic growth. By working with our provincial and municipal partners, we will deliver real support through transformative projects that will benefit the residents of Durham Region.”

Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Member of Parliament for Whitby

“Our government is pleased to stand beside our federal and regional partners in investing in transit infrastructure that helps families in our community get to work, school and leisure activities. Ontario’s investment of $78.4 million dollars in Durham Region supports faster commute times, cleaner air and water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced recreational facilities for the residents of my riding.”

Tracy MacCharles, Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering–Scarborough East

“My constituents have consistently asked for investments in infrastructure. I am proud of my government for listening and being a part of a bilateral infrastructure agreement with our federal counterparts that will see over $31 billion, including $10 billion committed by the Ontario government. Today the provincial government allocated over $78 million to the Region of Durham for the public transit stream. This is terrific news for my Ajax and Pickering constituents.”

Joe Dickson, MPP Ajax–Pickering

“Our government has a track record of investing in the critical public infrastructure that Ontarians need and deserve. I am pleased that Durham will receive approximately $78 million in provincial public transit funding that will improve the flow of people and goods, support a booming economy, and enhance quality of life.”         

Granville Anderson, Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham

“Durham Region has a tremendous vision for our transit future as our communities and ridership continue to grow. Achieving the numerous benefits associated with improvements in transit is only possible with the support of our partners in other orders of government. Together, we can promote sustainable transportation choices that meet the needs of our residents, support healthy communities, drive economic prosperity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Along with a Regional investment of at least $60 million, we welcome today’s federal and provincial investments to support significant expansion of our Bus Rapid Transit. These shared contribution agreements are critical to supporting the public transit infrastructure of the future. Durham Region Transit aims to make life easy for our residents by providing frequent, direct, reliable and seamless transit. These are goals that we share with the federal government and the province.”

Roger Anderson, Durham Regional Chair and CEO

Quick facts

  • Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

  • Under the first phase of the plan, Infrastructure Canada has approved nearly 3,500 projects across Canada worth a combined investment of more than $8.4 billion, including more than 2,000 projects worth more than $1.6 billion in Ontario.

  • As part of the Plan, Infrastructure Canada will deliver $33 billion over the next decade through new bilateral agreements with provinces and territories under four funding streams: 

    • $20.1 billion for public transit;
    • $9.2 billion for green infrastructure;
    • $1.3 billion for community, cultural and recreational infrastructure; and
    • $2.4 billion for wide-ranging infrastructure needs in rural and northern communities.
  • The funding provided under the bilateral agreement also includes up to $660 million committed to the Scarborough Subway Extension project in Toronto, which will be reviewed when formally submitted by the province. The Government of Ontario will continue to work closely with the City of Toronto on this project. The province has already committed to supporting it through previously approved public transit investment funding.

  • This funding provided to Ontario under the bilateral agreement includes almost $1.5 billion that has been committed through the Investing in Canada plan for the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Stage 2 project and the Port Lands Flood Protection and Enabling Infrastructure project in Toronto.

  • Ontario is investing $190 billion in public infrastructure over 13 years, starting in 2014–15. This represents the largest infrastructure investment in the province’s history to support priority projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and public transit.

Associated links

Contacts

Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
brook.simpson@canada.ca

Alex Benac
Minister’s Office
Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
416-326-2137
alex.benac@ontario.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

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