4 federal budget spending projects that could be coming to Waterloo Region
Few people have had time to sit down and thumb through the federal Liberal budget page-by-page. But staff at the Region of Waterloo did, to prepare for their financial services committee meeting on March 30.
Though specific details still aren't available for most programs, here are some of ways federal funding will be coming to Waterloo Region in the coming years, according to that staff report.
1. Physics think-tank
There's $50 million for the Perimeter Institute over five years. This is funding the group has received in the past, and it says every dollar provided by the federal government is matched by the institute's other partners. The money is supposed to help "strengthen its position as a world-leading research centre for theoretical physics."
2. Transit
Up to $34 million over the next three years to improve and expand public transit, as part of a newly-established Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. Projects that will be funded include, but aren't limited to, those that help reduce commute times and cut down on air pollution. Waterloo Region would have to apply to have a particular project considered for funding.
3. Students
University and college students will be affected by changes to the Canada Student Loans repayment structure, which will mean local students will not have to repay student loans until they make at least $25,000 a year.
4. Rail
$34 million for upgrades to Via Rail could affect stations in Waterloo Region. In the budget, the federal government said that money would be spent improving Via Rail stations and maintenance centres, which could include mechanical and electrical system upgrades and roof repairs. The federal government also said it would spend $3.3 million over three years to do an in-depth assessment of a proposed high-frequency rail service within the Windsor to Quebec City corridor.