News release
For immediate release
Canada and Ontario invest in greener Brantford with modern public transit infrastructure
Brantford, Ontario, July 8, 2020—The health and well-being of Canadians are the top priorities of the governments of Canada and Ontario. But the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than Canadians’ personal health. It is having a profound effect on the economy.
That is why governments have been taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, and continue to look ahead to see what more can be done.
Strategic investments in modern public transit infrastructure support a healthy environment and play a key role in ensuring Ontarians can get to work and essential services on time, then safely back home at the end of the day.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Will Bouma, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brantford–Brant on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; and his Worship Kevin Davis, Mayor of Brantford, announced funding for four public transit projects in Brantford.
The purchase of 21 new buses, 13 conventional and eight para-transit buses, will replace the retiring fleet and offer passengers better service and reduce maintenance costs.
In addition, the installation of 31 new fareboxes with smart card technology on buses will allow the city to better monitor ridership of existing routes. New bus pads and shelters will provide riders with safer, fully accessible waiting areas and important upgrades will be made to the transit maintenance facility to ensure the new fleet remains well-maintained and reliable.
By upgrading and expanding public transit systems in the city and connecting residents to the essential services they require, residents can get around their communities safely while protecting the environment.
The Government of Canada is investing over $5.5 million in these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $4.6 million to the projects, while the municipality is contributing more than $3.7 million.
Quotes
“Investing in modern and integrated public transit systems is vital for building greener and more resilient communities. The projects announced today will improve public transit services for Brantford residents, allowing them to get where they need to go safely. We are committed to working with our partners to build stronger, more sustainable infrastructure that will serve communities now and for years to come.”
The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“I am thrilled to be part of a government that is working collaboratively with our federal and municipal partners to announce this investment in public transit in the City of Brantford. Not only will 21 new buses be purchased, we will lower maintenance costs and emissions. Upgrading equipment and fare collection technology while modernizing facility maintenance will streamline the public transit experience here in Brantford.”
Will Bouma, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brantford–Brant on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure
“Better public transit systems have a clear correlation to improved economies and better opportunities for people living, working and at play in urban areas. The City of Brantford is grateful for this much needed funding that is already an integral part of the City’s plans to evolve our transit system to meet the changing demands of our community’s rapidly growing population, and to reduce the City’s carbon foot print. Specifically, this funding has been allocated towards replacing the City’s aging bus shelters and addressing community demand for additional shelters throughout the city.”
His Worship Kevin Davis, Mayor of Brantford
Quick facts
- Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure 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.
- $28.7 billion of this funding is supporting public transit projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- Across Ontario, the Government of Canada has invested more than $2.5 billion in infrastructure under the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
- Across the province, Ontario is investing more than $7.3 billion in public transit infrastructure over 10 years through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Associated links
Government of Canada Resources – Coronavirus disease (COVID 19): www.canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Ontario Resources – COVID-19:
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/
Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map
Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario:
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/on-eng.html
Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html
Ontario Builds Project Map:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/building-ontario
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Contacts
Murielle Pierre
Digital Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-949-1759
murielle.pierre@canada.ca
Christine Bujold
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure
416-454-1782
Christine.bujold@ontario.ca
Sofia Sousa-Dias
Communications Branch
Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
437-991-3391
Sofia.Sousa-Dias@ontario.ca
Maria Visocchi
Director, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford
519-759-4150 ext. 5754
mvisocchi@brantford.ca
Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada 613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca