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 Canadian’s 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 public transit infrastructure play a key role in ensuring Ontarians can get to work, school, and essential services on time and safely back home at the end of the day.
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Peterborough–Kawartha; along with the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough–Kawartha: and Her Worship Diane Therrien, Mayor of Peterborough today announced funding for five public transit projects in the City of Peterborough and one project in the County of Peterborough.
Public transit users will benefit from new buses and vans, as well as refurbished buses. These upgrades will increase the capacity and reliability of the fleet. They will also improve the quality of service for passengers. Four of the six projects include new or upgraded accessible vehicles, such as buses and special access vans. This will open up opportunities and improve the quality of life for people living with limited mobility in Peterborough, including Canadians who require specialized care.
The Government of Canada is investing over $5.8 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 $4.76 million to the projects, while the City of Peterborough is contributing more than $3.67 million and the County of Peterborough is contributing over $18,000.
This is one in a series of important project announcements that will be made across the province over the coming weeks. The governments of Canada and Ontario are working cooperatively to support jobs, improve communities, and build confidence, while safely and sustainably restoring economic growth.
Quotes
“The projects announced today will provide better accessibility and improved service that will encourage greater use of public transit and allow residents to get to where they need to go safely and affordably. Investing in modern and integrated public transit systems is essential for building the healthier, low carbon communities of tomorrow. Our federal government will continue building stronger, sustainable infrastructure that will serve our community now and well into the future.”
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Peterborough–Kawartha, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Ontario is investing in shovel-ready infrastructure to help support economic recovery and job creation, working to deliver these projects as quickly and efficiently as possible. We are excited to invest in projects, including those announced today, that will improve the transit system for residents of the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.”
The Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure
“I am proud that investing in local public infrastructure is a key priority of our government. Today’s announcement is another step in this direction; providing much-needed safe, reliable transit for Peterborough and the surrounding communities.”
Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough–Kawartha
“We are grateful for the infrastructure investments made by the Federal and Provincial governments in Peterborough. This funding will help us provide more sustainable and accessible transit for residents and improve access to affordable transportation in our community.”
Her Worship Diane Therrien, Mayor or Peterborough
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 the province, Ontario is investing more than $7.3 billion in public transit infrastructure over 10 years through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.