Securing $3.6B in transit funding a ‘key project’ for Brampton at FCM conference

A delegation from Brampton focused on securing funding for transit, housing, community safety and other projects at the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities trade show.

The event is a chance for municipalities to network and learn best practices, and this year’s session saw some 2,000 elected officials from Canadian cities and towns come together with a theme of “Local Strength, National Prosperity,” and Brampton came to the table with “ a clear mandate” of priorities.

From a “clean, reliable and integrated local transit system” and “affordable and available housing options,” to “enhanced community safety through bail reform and investments in newcomer services,” the city says it is “continuing to advocate for collaboration between municipalities and all orders of government, and funding to help advance Brampton’s key projects.”

Some of those key projects include the Hazel McCallion LRT ($2.8 billion in funding needed), the Queen Street – Highway 7 BRT ($684 million in funding needed) and electrification of a third transit facility ($150 million in funding needed).

Additional funding for all three projects totals more than $3.6 billion from both the province and the federal government, according to a city document.

Coin. Rowena Santos was also re-elected to the FCM board of directors, marking her sixth term. She was also honoured with an award from the FCM for five consecutive years of service.

As Chair of FCM’s Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee and a member of the Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the city says Santos “has been a vocal advocate for federal support and investments to tackle pressing issues such as housing affordability, infrastructure development and homelessness.”

“From housing and transit to climate action, community safety and economic uncertainty, we need a new approach that recognizes the realities on the ground, the resources and partnerships to prosper,” Santos said in a release. “Through this work, I am committed to advancing solutions that are equitable, inclusive and reflective of Canada’s diverse communities.”

The city says Santos’ re-election means “Brampton’s perspective remains influential in shaping federal policies and funding programs that directly impact municipalities and the residents they serve.”

“She will also push for a reassessment of municipal responsibilities, including opportunities to upload provincially mandated services, so that municipalities are properly resourced to deliver the high-quality services residents rely on,” the city said in a release.

Santos is the councillor for wards 1 and 5 and holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Schulich School of Business and a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development and Environmental Planning from the London School of Economics.