Funding Commitment Will Deliver Rapid Transit That Better Connects the City of Hamilton
HAMILTON – The Ontario government is welcoming a new federal funding commitment of $1.7 billion to advance the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which matches Ontario’s $1.7 billion 
investment into the project for a total investment of $3.4 billion to support construction. Through this partnership, the province and federal government are taking a significant step towards advancing this shovel-ready LRT project that will offer frequent and reliable connections on the 14-kilometre line from Eastgate Square through downtown Hamilton to McMaster University.
The funding announcement was made today by Caroline Mulroney, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, and Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
“From our original $1 billion capital commitment for the project to our strong calls over the past two years for a federal funding commitment, we have remained focused on delivering rapid transit for the people of Hamilton,” said Minister Mulroney. “Ontario has increased our investment to $1.7 billion to ensure that we can get Hamiltonians a 14-kilometre line that connects Eastgate Square through to McMaster University, and to ensure that we can get shovels in the ground as soon as possible for this critical transit project. The LRT will improve connectivity and create thousands of sustainable jobs for the future.”
“We are very excited the Hamilton LRT project is back and the people of Hamilton will get the project they need, all the way from McMaster to Eastgate,” said Phil Verster, President and CEO of Metrolinx. “The LRT will bring safe, accessible travel to help get Hamilton moving, both locally, and as part of a great regional transit network that connects right into GO Transit.”
To help identify the most meaningful transportation options for Hamilton that could use provincial support, Ontario created a Hamilton Transportation Task Force and continuously called on the federal government to work with us to help shape the future of high priority transit in Hamilton.
In November 2020, a technical review indicated that a $1 billion LRT system funded solely with provincial capital would not be of sufficient length to be a viable project to benefit the people of Hamilton and required federal funding to create a feasible project. Today, with the welcomed news of federal investment, Ontario is pleased to be honouring its commitment to the people of Hamilton.
The Hamilton LRT project is Ontario’s fifth priority transit project, joining the Ontario Line Subway, Scarborough Subway Extension, Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and Yonge North Subway Extension projects. Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the federal government will also contribute 40 per cent of funding to these priority subway projects.
Quick Facts
- Through the federal funding commitment under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Canada will match Ontario’s contribution of $1.7 billion for the Hamilton LRT Project.
- The Hamilton LRT is a 14-kilometre LRT line that will offer service from McMaster University to Eastgate Square.
- On February 9, 2021, Ontario announced its continued commitment to providing $1 billion in capital investment for a meaningful LRT project in the City of Hamilton and identified it as the fifth priority transit project.
Quotes
“Infrastructure Ontario looks forward to supporting the delivery of this important project for Hamilton. IO is partnering with Metrolinx to deliver a number of transformative transit projects across the GTHA, including GO Expansion, the Ontario Line and subway extensions connecting communities farther north, east and west.”
– Michael Lindsay
President and CEO of Infrastructure Ontario
“The Ontario government is a wonderful partner with the City of Hamilton. Thank you, Premier Ford and Minister Mulroney, for your strong and tremendous leadership and vision for helping to make Hamilton’s LRT project a reality.”
– Fred Eisenberger
Mayor of Hamilton
“Today is a good day for the City of Hamilton! On behalf of the Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA) we commend the leadership of Premier Doug Ford and the commitment of Minister of Transportation, Caroline Mulroney to get shovels in the ground on the highly-anticipated Hamilton LRT. Investing in viable transit infrastructure will continue to spur economic development and address critical infrastructure needs throughout the city while creating hundreds of jobs for the members of LIUNA. We look forward to working closely with all levels of government to finally break ground and build the Hamilton LRT.”
– Joseph Mancinelli
LiUNA International Vice President and Regional Manager of Central and Eastern Canada
“This historic transit agreement between the federal and provincial governments will have a transformative impact on the Hamilton community. The Hamilton LRT will be critical to helping McMaster University’s students, staff, and faculty move seamlessly throughout the city. This will support local business, fuel regional economic growth, and ensure that our students are able to enjoy everything Hamilton has to offer.”
– David Farrar
President and Vice-Chancellor at McMaster University
“On behalf of the Hamilton business community, I would like to extend tremendous gratitude to Minister Mulroney and the Ford government for collaborating with their federal counterparts to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime transit investment in our city and across our region. The job creation, economic development, infrastructure, intensification and environmental impacts of this LRT project will greatly accelerate Hamilton’s transformation as we emerge out of the pandemic.”
– Keanin Loomis
President & CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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