During a funding announcement this morning at the Sault Ste. Marie Transit Garage, almost $3 million in funding was allotted for the purchase of new and refurbished buses as well as repairs and improvements to the Transit Garage.
“This is more immediate, this is a really positive announcement because this is money we’re going to get soon,” said Provenzano. “We have a very old fleet, and this is an opportunity to help us revitalize that.”
“We believe strongly that transit is an important service that we provide, and we have to the best job we can in providing it, and we have to make sure transit operators have the equipment they need and the vehicles they need to provide a good service.”
Sheehan says that the federal government is making good on making transit and infrastructure priorities across the country.
“It’s a promise made, promise kept by the PM by the Liberal Party,” said Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan. “The previous government did not invest significantly in transit, which has led to a deterioration, a very quick deterioration to the transit systems in many communities across Canada, including Sault Ste. Marie.”
City of Sault Ste. Marie CAO Al Horsman told SooToday that the funding goes hand-in-hand with the transit optimization study that was approved by council during Monday’s city council meeting. Barring any tweaks to that study, Horsman says, all of the proposed changes to the city’s transit system contained within the optimization study will be carried out by the city going forward.
“That is now going to be the vision for the future, and it’s all detailed in the report that was reviewed by council and approved by council.”
The announcement of new money for the new buses and bus barn upgrades follows on the heels of a $31 million joint funding announcement between the City of Sault Ste. Marie and both federal and provincial governments.
A news release regarding this funding announcement issued today by the office of MP Terry Sheehan follows.
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Investing in public infrastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transit services that help Canadians and their families get to work, school and essential services on time and back home safely at the end of a long day.
Terry Sheehan, member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and His Worship Christian Provenzano, mayor of the City of Sault Ste. Marie, today announced more than $2.9 million in funding for three new transit projects that will benefit the residents of Sault Ste. Marie.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie will purchase two new, and eight refurbished, 40-foot buses. In addition, the City will make building repairs to the Transit Garage, including upgrading the ventilation system, switching to LED lighting, and replacing the roof and exterior doors. The new buses will allow the City to retire older buses that have gone beyond their useful life, and maintain a fleet that is capable of meeting the community’s growing transportation needs.
This investment is part of an agreement between Canada and Ontario for the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada recognizes how important affordable and efficient transit infrastructure is to growing the economy and giving middle-class Canadians better access to jobs and opportunities. The use of public transit also contributes significantly to the reduction of air pollution, helping keep our city healthy. These projects will make Sault Ste. Marie’s transit system more reliable and efficient, and help ensure that our communities remain among the best places in the world to live, work and raise a family.” - Terry Sheehan, member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“This funding will assist in the modernization of public transportation in Sault Ste. Marie. The City has undertaken a comprehensive review of transit services that will allow us to efficiently and effectively utilize our revitalized fleet, leading to better service for our residents. Transit is one of the most important services our municipality provides and I want to thank the Government of Canada for their support.” - His Worship Christian Provenzano, mayor of the City of Sault Ste. Marie
Quick facts
• For the three projects announced today, the Government of Canada is providing up to $1,472,500 and the City of Sault Ste. Marie is providing the remaining project costs.
• Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• $25.3 billion of this funding will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• Since 2004, the Government of Ontario has committed $4.1 billion to municipalities across the province through the provincial gas tax program. This funding supports municipal transit systems.
Associated links
• Government of Canada’s $180-billion+ Investing in Canada plan
• Investing in Canada plan project map
• Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario
• The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund
• Visit the BuildON map to find out about projects being built in your community
• Building better lives: Ontario’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan 2017
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