MISSISSAUGA, ONT. — The Ontario and federal governments have announced the signing of a bilateral deal that will support $31 billion in infrastructure projects in the province over the next 10 years.
The allocations will fund public transit, green infrastructure and recreational and cultural infrastructure, said a March 14 media statement.
The federal government will commit $11.8 billion, the province will spend $10 billion and municipalities and other partners will contribute the remainder.
The federal funding announced by federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi includes $8.34 billion for urban transit, with $872 million approved for the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Stage 2 project and $660 million for the Scarborough Subway extension project, pending submission and approval. Ontario will allocate $7.279 billion in provincial funding to the transit envelope.
The federal government has committed $2.849 billion towards green infrastructure projects, an amount that includes $218.9 million for the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Stage 2 project and $384.2 for the Port Lands Flood Protection and Enabling Infrastructure project.
Ontario’s contribution to green infrastructure will be $2.350 billion.
Spending on cultural, community and recreational infrastructure projects will include $407.2 million from the federal government and $336 million from the province.
The fourth envelope includes $250 million in spending on northern and rural infrastructure from the government of Canada and $206.3 million from the province. The statement said the funding will be spent on projects to improve road, air and marine infrastructure and support projects related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, among others.
“Communities across Ontario need up-to-date infrastructure to thrive and protect people’s health and safety, commented Lynn Dollin, president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, in the statement. “This long-term funding is important as it helps us make needed investments in municipal infrastructure. Together we will monitor our progress on what this funding achieves and what else might be needed to help municipal governments invest in critical local infrastructure.”
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said, “It’s important that cities like Mississauga are given the proper funding and tools to make investments where they are needed most. Today’s investment in our city of over $800 million over the next decade will keep Mississauga moving and demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to strengthen our communities.”
The statement also said under the new agreement, the government of Canada will also consider “unique and innovative project ideas that meet the agreed-upon outcomes. These new ideas will contribute to the long-term sustainability of our infrastructure.”
Reports indicated Sohi confirmed federal support for preliminary work on Toronto’s downtown relief line and a Toronto Yonge subway extension at the event.
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