Toronto to get much of province’s $8B gas tax fund

Ontario’s municipalities will receive more than $8 billion over 10 years, as part of a renewed gas tax fund, the federal government announced on Friday.

Federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver said the government doubled the number of eligible investment categories so that municipalities can apply their gas tax money to an array of projects.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford joined Oliver to mark the agreement’s 10-year extension, and was all smiles since much of that money will go to Toronto.

“As a result of this new 10-year agreement, the federal government will flow an estimated $8.12 billion directly to municipalities in Ontario,” Oliver said.

 

Wearing his chain of office, Ford walked into the news conference, brushed past reporters, and sat at a table next to Oliver.

He then took to the podium, saying this money will help this city in a big way.

“This program will help the City of Toronto as we continue making vital investments to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure,” Ford said.

Ford, who is a staunch supporter of subways, also talked about planned subway extensions, but did not mention the new streetcars, which are set to roll out in August.

The mayor then left, passing reporters again without taking questions as he made his way back to city council.

With files from The Canadian Press

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today