Mississauga Sets Out Top Transit Priorities

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Published April 13, 2017 at 5:24 am

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Since Mississauga is fully and enthusiastically embracing its sprint towards urbanization, it makes sense that it’s prioritizing transit.

After all, what is a dense big city without a solid public transportation system that, ideally, connects seamlessly with surrounding lines and projects?

During last week’s General Committee, staff presented a report on the Transit Initiatives and Priorities for the city and gave an update on transportation initiatives currently underway, such as The Missing Link, the Hurontario LRT, the Mississauga Transitway and more.

The city has identified its top transit projects and they include:

  • Hurontario Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project – the city’s biggest and most controversial project that has netted $1.4 billion in funding from the provincial government·         
  • Downtown Transitway Connection and Terminal – A plan for a dedicated facility in Mississauga’s downtown area with linkages to the existing City Centre Transit Terminal and the GO Transit City Centre operations.
  • Regional Express Rail Milton Corridor and Implementing the Missing Link – two-way, all day GO service and the relocation of heavy freight along the Milton corridor.
  • Regional Express Rail Lakeshore West and Kitchener GO Corridors – two-way, all day GO service along the Lakeshore West and Kitchener GO corridors.

“Mississauga is a city committed to building transit and investing in our future,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie in a statement. “We know that in order to build a 21st century city, we need to be able to move people and goods efficiently and effectively. These transit initiatives and priorities will help ensure residents, visitors and commuters have access to improved regionally-integrated public transit.”

The city’s focus on transportation isn’t just timely, it’s crucial–especially in light of the fact that surrounding cities and essential landmarks, such as Pearson Airport, are working to implement major projects of their own. With LRTs slated for Toronto, Kitchener and Hamilton and a hub planned for Kipling station, connectivity has never been more important.

It’s also important for the city to further tackle urbanization by prioritizing the needs of cyclists  and pedestrians as well.

“Mississauga is experiencing a turning point in the development of its transportation system from reliance on a road network that is largely built out, to establishing more sustainable ways to move people in the form of transit, cycling and walking,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “The transit priorities endorsed by council focus around high-growth locations like Mississauga’s downtown, along the Hurontario corridor and around the waterfront where we’re able to make key connections with other transit operators.”

Wright further explained that in addition to current transportation and transit projects underway, the city is also undertaking its first Transportation Master Plan (also known as Mississauga Moves) to shape the city’s transportation system from now until 2041.

“From a financial planning perspective, it’s important to have our transit and transportation priorities identified,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “This allows us to effectively plan and allocate resources in our capital budget and throughout our budget and business planning process. It also puts the City in a better position to take advantage of transportation and transit infrastructure funding programs when they come forward from other levels of government.”

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