Hamilton public transit gets $36.2M for 13 new projects
The city will also see 16 new buses added
The provincial and federal governments have announced that Hamilton will see 13 new projects worth more than $36 million designed to improve the city's public transit system.
The $36 million from the from the federal government's public transit infrastructure fund will cover half the cost of the projects, according to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities office. A Public Works spokesperson told CBC News the city would pay the remaining balance with money from the city's budget, but the decision is still pending approval.
The largest chunk of that money will go to a new maintenance and storage facility that will cost upwards of $14 million.
The city will also see 16 new buses added and the refurbishing of bus stops and shelters across the city.
The announcement was made Friday morning in Hamilton by Burlington's Karina Gould, minister of democratic institutions.
As part of the investment, 12 municipalities including Hamilton, Burlington, St. Catharines and Guelph will receive $69.2 million in federal funding to cover the cost of the projects.
Public transit has been a hot-topic issue in Hamilton this week, with city council in the midst of debating whether or not to approve the $1 billion LRT system.
The provincial and federal government announced a $1.48 billion investment on Friday that will help fund 120 transit projects across Ontario.
- Hamilton councillors debate LRT for 13 hours, then delay approving major changes
- Hamilton's LRT in 21 pictures: How the engineers imagine it will loo
The projects are part of the 312 projects announced by Prime Minister Trudeau today. In his announcement, the prime minister acknowledged the importance of public transit to Canadians while announcing federal funding for major GO Transit Regional Express Rail projects across the GTHA. The projects aim to shorten commutes, decrease air pollution and allow Canadians to spend more time with their families, according to a press release.
Gould said the investment is one that will benefit Hamiltonians in the years to come.
"Canadians today and into the future will benefit from the projects announced today, which will provide Hamiltonians with affordable and efficient public transit infrastructure."