Ottawa sets conditions for funding support of LRT in Brampton

Ottawa says it will step in to help fund the extension of the Hazel McCallio LRT extension into Brampton, but there are strings attached.

Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Nathaniel Erskine-Smith was in Brampton today (March 21) to make the announcement saying he supports the transportation project and wants to see the line extended from Mississauga.

“Our government believes in public transit. We are committed to improving and growing public transit infrastructure all across Canada,” said Erskine-Smith. “Strong collaboration between federal, provincial, and municipal government is essential to achieve this goal.”

The minister said funds will be tied to conditions that need to be met such as the implementation of an integrated regional transit plan and the building of more housing units, among other requirements being asked for from the Province of Ontario and local municipalities.

The construction of the LRT is currently working its way north on Hurontario Street having started down by the lake in Port Credit with plans to continue up into Brampton via an underground tunnel on Queen Street.

Named after the former mayor of Mississauga, the Hazel McCallion Line, The 18-km, 19-stop light rail transit project, when finished, will offer key connections to GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Züm and MiWay routes with the goal of helping transit riders save time on their commutes and reducing gridlock for drivers.

The estimated cost of the project so far is $4.6 billion but that number will increase depending on how the Brampton portion of the line is developed.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said today’s announcement is a step forward in making the Hazel McCallion LRT Extension a reality for Brampton.

“As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, this transit solution will enable 33,000 housing units and over 17,000 jobs that will help keep pace with our rapid growth,” said Brown. “This project will provide reliable, sustainable and efficient transportation for our residents, connecting our downtown core to the rest of the region.”