Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,
News broke last week that the provincial and federal governments have pledged to commit a combined $3.4 billion towards the cost of building the full length of Hamilton’s Light Rail Transit, making this the biggest investment in Hamilton transit history and a transformative investment in the city itself.
For more details, please continue reading below…
On May 13, Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna joined provincial Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney online to announce matching $1.7 billion contributions toward building the 14-kilometre, 17-stop light rail transit line between McMaster University and Eastgate Square. The Federal money is part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
When news broke in February that the Federal government was committed to pledging $15 billion over the next 5 years on public transit, the Provincial government put forward the Hamilton LRT project, a “shovel-ready” project, as a candidate for the funding.
And it is the shovel-readiness of the project which qualified for major federal cash this past week because, as Minister McKenna described that the construction of the LRT will help “kick-start” a pandemic-battered economy, improve transit and cut climate emissions.
“You have the commitment from the federal government and the province to go ahead and make significant investments in the full line, and that is a shovel-ready project.”
Federal Infrastructure Minister, Catherine McKenna
In its own media release, the Federal Government stated that both governments have signed a deal to invest $3.4 billion in the shovel-ready Light Rail Transit project. Each government will be contributing 50% of eligible project costs, up to $1.7 billion. The federal contribution has been designated for LRT investment only, and is subject to approval by the Treasury Board of Canada. The project’s life cycle costs will be covered by the Government of Ontario.
Another factor for the government’s quick endorsement and funding of the project is the creation of thousands of jobs during construction as well as over the lifetime of the project, and will be a driving force in billions in investment over the lifetime of the system – while building cleaner more inclusive communities. The Hamilton LRT is a shovel-ready project, which means construction can begin and jobs can be created immediately, they note.
“On behalf of over 140 000 Members of the Labourers International Union of North America (LIUNA), we applaud the collaborative effort by the federal and provincial government to get shovels in the ground on the highly-anticipated Hamilton LRT. Investing in transit infrastructure will continue to spur economic activity and recovery while creating thousands of jobs for the members of LIUNA while building a viable transit system for the City of Hamilton. The Hamilton LRT will also address critical infrastructure needs including roads and fibre optics, while connecting our communities and abiding by the federal mandate of carbon neutral infrastructure. We look forward to continue working with Minister of Infrastructure, Catherine McKenna and all levels of government to build critical transit infrastructure and strengthen the future of our country.”
Joe Mancinelli, LiUNA International Vice President and Regional Manager of Central and Eastern Canada
“This is about building an ambitious city. This is about good jobs right now at a time when we need good jobs and we need to restart our economy”
Federal Infrastructure Minister, Catherine McKenna
Both governments have committed to fund the full length of the original LRT route, in line with the Hamilton Transit Task Force recommendation issued last April.
It’s suffice to say that this is exciting news for the City and its future. Various partners and sectors – from McMaster University to the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce to LiUNA International have spoken on the transformational change slated to come with the investment in the LRT, the economic influence and uplift – and many reasons why this project is still on the table is because of leadership across all political stripes, community sectors and the impact of resident voices across Hamilton, including Ward 8.
“Today’s announcement is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Hamilton. It is the result of relentless efforts by committed community and government leaders committed to a more mobile, prosperous, and healthy Hamilton. Hamilton Health Sciences thanks the Provincial and Federal Governments for this transformational commitment to our city.”
Rob MacIsaac, President, Hamilton Health Sciences
When the project was “put on hold” by the Ford government in 2019, the Ward 8 office received more than one thousand individual emails from Ward 8 and Hamilton residents asking Premier Ford and Minister Mulroney to reconsider.
Public advocacy reinforced the notion to the province that the majority of Hamiltonians wanted an LRT, and the province heard you…which lead to the announcement on May 13.
Residents put trust in their elected officials to make informed, sound decisions on their behalf. As Councillor Danko stated on Twitter in light of the announcement, it is now up to Council to take the baton and lead with confidence on this transformational investment in Hamilton.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our office here.
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