Trudeau government to spend $12 billion on Toronto, Hamilton transit projects
Posted May 11, 2021 12:04 pm.
Last Updated May 11, 2021 5:22 pm.
The federal government has announced a $12-billion investment into four subway projects in the GTA.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the news on Tuesday.
The projects include are the Ontario Line, the Eglinton Crosstown West – which will create a continuous rapid transit line along Eglinton Avenue between Scarborough and Mississauga – Yonge Street North, and the Scarborough subway extension.
BREAKING: The Trudeau government is investing $12-billion into 4 subway projects in the GTA and a rapid transit project in Hamilton.
The Ontario Line, Eglinton Crosstown West, Yonge Street North and Scarborough extension projects are getting funding #cdnpoli— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) May 11, 2021
“This will bring rapid transit from Exhibition Place through downtown to the Ontario Science Centre,” Trudeau said.
“Anyone in Toronto can tell you that the subway is way too busy.”
The funding will also go towards a rapid transit project in Hamilton that will go from McMaster University, through downtown, to Eastgate Centennial Park in Stoney Creek.
Premier Doug Ford’s office tells 680 NEWS it has been pressing the feds to invest in transit for the past two years.
“We have been calling on the federal government to provide its fair share of at least 40 per cent of our four nationally-significantly subway projects for the GTA,” said spokesperson Ivana Yelich in an email.
“In addition, we have been urging them to help fund a viable LRT project in Hamilton.”
Trudeau says that Tuesday’s investment “will not only deal with that but also create thousands of good jobs and get gridlock traffic off the roads.”
“If you live in the north of the city, this means cutting your commute by almost half an hour,” the Prime Minister continued.
“For people in Scarborough who currently don’t have good transit options, this investment will mean three more stops along Line 2.”
Ontario’s government estimates that by 2041, the combined projects will have a total daily ridership of over 620,000 with almost 400,000 people within walking distance of a new transit station.
Toronto Mayor John Tory says the transit expansion is “critical to the future of our city.”
“It ensures that we are supporting economic recovery post-pandemic, will help create a greener future and represents a substantial contribution to equitable access to our city, jobs, education and much more,” Tory said.
“I want to thank the federal and provincial governments for working with us to invest in our city and for committing to build up Toronto’s transit system.”
With files from 680 NEWS Parliament Hill reporter Cormac Mac Sweeney
