An $83 million combined investment is gearing up to spark a new commuter culture in Kingston.
Four Eastern Ontario communities are ing forces to revamp their public transit systems. Approximately $25 million comes from the Government of Ontario, with the remaining approximate $28 million being contributed by the municipalities of Cornwall, Kingston, Peterborough, and Trent Hills. The project involves purchasing long-range battery electric transit buses and installing auxiliary and accessibility equipment.
The federal government is contributing $30 million through its Public Transit Infrastructure Stream as part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to 18 public transit projects.
Backed by all three levels of government—federal, provincial, and municipal—Kingston Transit is set to add 13 electric buses to its fleet, improve pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, upgrade sidewalks, and construct new transit stations and bus shelters, the Government of Canada announced on Sept. 12.
Key players, including MP for Kingston and the Islands, Mark Gerretsen, MPP for Hastings—Lennox and Addington, Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson, and Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale, came together on Sept. 12 to announce this significant investment in public transit.
“This is fantastic news for Eastern Ontario! Investing in public transit infrastructure is an investment in our communities. Expanding transit options helps people get to work, school, home, and essential services, making our communities stronger,” Gerretsen stated in the Government’s press release.
Since 2015, the federal government has committed over $30 billion to public transit and active transportation projects. According to the Government of Canada, these historic investments have led to nearly 2,000 projects nationwide.
The federal government explained this investment in the City of Kingston will allow the construction of 12 transit enger stations and 44 bus shelters at already established bus stops. Locations regarding these stations and stops are not yet available.
“This investment, in collaboration with our federal and provincial governments, is not just about improving our public transit system—it’s about creating a more sustainable, connected and vibrant community,” Mayor Bryan Paterson said. “Electric buses and enhancing our infrastructure, we are building a city that puts people first, reduces our carbon footprint and fosters greater mobility for all.”
The federal government is renewing Canada’s Community-Building Fun (CCFB) and its investment of approximately $26 billion over the next ten years to 2024-34 to essential infrastructure projects, including public transit. Over the next five years, Ontario will receive over $4.7 billion from this fund, starting with $895 million in 2024-25.
The new Canada Public Transit Fund (TF) will provide an average of $3 billion annually in permanent funding to address local transit needs.
The Ontario government is also investing nearly $70 billion over the next decade to improve public transit. This includes $7.3 billion through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Public Transit Infrastructure Stream to help municipalities enhance and expand transit services across the province.
Paterson explained in the Government’s press release Kingston is poised to develop a transit system that caters to its vibrant community. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong commuter culture in Kingston, aiming to create a system that is both effective and appealing for residents.
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