That's why the government of Canada has approved eight new public transit and active transportation projects in the City of Kingston with over $47 million in total investments from all three levels of government. These projects are being funded through the public transit stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure plan.
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; along with Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands; the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure; and His Worship Bryan Paterson, Mayor of the City of Kingston today announced funding for 8 public transit and active transportation projects in Kingston.
Several projects involve the construction of new and enhanced pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the East-West corridor of the city that will make it safer and easier for residents to commute to their destinations or to directly access public transit. For example, the redesign and construction of Montreal Street at John Counter Boulevard will include multi-use pathways, new sidewalk, and buffered bike lanes. New transit-exclusive passenger drop-off lanes will enable pedestrians to access the transit system more safely and efficiently.
Residents who use public transit will also benefit from the addition of a new long-range battery electric bus and the necessary battery charging equipment. Six more conventional buses will be added to the bus fleet, enabling the City of Kingston to increase transit service levels, improving the reliability and quality of the public transit system while reducing emissions.
The Government of Canada is investing over $17 million in these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is providing nearly $14.5 million to the projects, while the City of Kingston is contributing more than $16 million.
Quotes
"Investing in modern and accessible public transportation systems allows Canadians to get around in faster, cheaper and cleaner ways. The investment in an expanded network of cycling lanes, multi-use paths, and new buses will improve the quality of lives for residents, get cars off the road and help make Kingston's transit system more sustainable. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds stronger communities."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The projects announced today will provide Kingston residents with more alternatives for getting where they need to go safely and affordably. Investing in modern and integrated public transit systems and active transportation is essential for building healthier, more sustainable communities of tomorrow. This is a great example of how we are working with our partners to build stronger, more resilient infrastructure that will serve our community now and in the future."
Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands
"This is an exciting day for transit riders and residents in Kingston. Ontario is investing more than $14 million in eight new public transit projects. These projects will provide residents with more access to public transit, connecting people to jobs safely and efficiently. With today's announcement, these eight projects can move from shovel-ready to shovels moving."
The Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure
"I'm pleased that Ontario is providing nearly $14.5 million to make public transit more efficient, reliable and convenient in the City of Kingston. It's another example of the province working collaboratively with our federal and municipal partners by continuing to make critical investments in infrastructure to improve the quality of life for residents in Eastern Ontario."
The Honourable Steve Clark, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Member of Provincial Parliament for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes
"Kingston has made strategic investments in active transportation and has seen unprecedented growth in transit ridership over the last few years. COVID-19 has definitely impacted our recent progress but as people start to return to some of their pre-pandemic routines, I believe there are even more opportunities to accelerate our active transportation goals. This funding will be very helpful as we get back on track and work to build a community where the most convenient option is active transportation."
Bryan Paterson, Mayor of the City of Kingston
Quick facts
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Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure 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.
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$28.7 billion of this funding is supporting public transit projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
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Across the province, Ontario is investing more than $7.3 billion in public transit infrastructure over 10 years through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
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Across Ontario, the Government of Canada has invested more than $2.5 billion in infrastructure under the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
