Canada and Ontario invest in public transit and active transportation infrastructure for residents of the Niagara Region

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - The health and well-being of Canadians are the top priorities of the governments of Canada and Ontario. But the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than Canadians' personal health. It is having a profound effect on the economy.

That is why governments have been taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, and continue to look ahead to see what more can be done.

Strategic investments in public transit and active transportation infrastructure play a key role in ensuring Ontarians can get to work and essential services on time then safely back home at the end of the day.

Today, both Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, and Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West and Stephen Crawford, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure and Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure; Jim Bradley, Chair of Niagara Region; His Worship Jim Diodati, Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls; and His Worship Walter Sendzik, Mayor of the City of St. Catharines announced funding for 31 public transit projects in the Niagara Region.

Several of the projects involve improvements to transit routes and infrastructure, including new buses, renovations to bus shelters as well as new surveillance systems to ensure passenger safety. New fare payment technology will enable customers to use one method of contactless payment to access all of the transit systems across Niagara Region.

In Niagara Falls, the construction of a multi-modal hub on Bridge Street will increase access to local transit and transportation alternatives for residents using the GO regional transit system and help keep pedestrians safe in a traffic-centric location.

In St. Catharines, 21 new buses and four new paratransit vehicles will add capacity to the existing bus fleet, encouraging more residents to choose public transit by providing them with more frequent and accessible bus service. 

The projects announced today support a regional approach to public transit throughout Niagara, St. Catharines, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, and Welland to help build inclusive and resilient communities. By modernizing and expanding public transit systems in the region and connecting residents to active transportation alternatives, Ontarians can get around their communities safely while protecting the environment.

The Government of Canada is investing over $31 million in these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $26 million to the projects, while the municipalities are contributing more than $21 million.

Quotes

"Investing in modern and integrated public transit systems and active transportation is essential for building healthier and more resilient communities. The projects announced today in the Niagara Region will increase availability and improve accessibility of public transit allowing residents to get where they need to go safely and affordably. This is a great example of how we are working with our partners to build stronger, more sustainable infrastructure that will serve communities now and in the future."

Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre on behalf of The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"We are working closely with our partners by investing in public transit infrastructure projects across the Niagara Region that will support jobs, improve our communities and build confidence as we safely restore economic growth. Today's investments in St. Catharines Transit shows how we are working together to build infrastructure that makes people's lives better by giving them more options for getting around their communities safely and affordably."

Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines

 "Investing in the local transit infrastructure of the Niagara Region will not only modernize and expand the public transit system, it will also contribute to kick starting the local recovery and create jobs. Ontario's contribution will help the Niagara Region move forward with local priority projects and deliver improved transit to communities."

The Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure

"Today, we move another significant step closer to the completion of 31 new projects that will be game changers for the City of Niagara Falls and the Regional Municipality of Niagara. These investments will improve capacity, reliability and accessibility of local public transit infrastructure for the people of Niagara, including passengers who require specialized care."

Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West

"On behalf of Niagara, I am pleased to see all three levels of government coming together to make a meaningful investment in public transit across the region. In the challenging time when everyone is grappling with the effects of COVID-19, it is encouraging to know that we can still all continue to focus on funding critical infrastructure to ensure the sustainable delivery of public services."

Jim Bradley, Niagara Regional Chair

"Today's major announcements mark another great stride in transportation in Niagara Falls and the Region. Transit is a key area where we have come together in the Region to make significant progress, helping people travel more fluidly, seamlessly and effortlessly in Niagara. We could not be more thrilled about the government's support of these critical projects in our community." 

Jim Diodati, Mayor, City of Niagara Falls

"Integrated transit has been identified as a strategic priority for St. Catharines City Council. These investments further strengthen the infrastructure that is going to be required for a fully integrated and public transit system, not just for our City, but the region as a whole. That will mean a system that supports the growth of our economy and moving people quickly and efficiently, in a more environmentally responsible way. Thank you to our federal and provincial partners to making these investments and helping create more prosperity across our community."

Walter Sendzik, Mayor, City of St. Catharines

"The City of Welland is pleased to have received this funding so we can move ahead with the construction of a new transit operations facility, which will meet with needs of a growing public transit network. The new facility will provide space for maintaining and managing all conventional and specialized buses and staff training."

Frank Campion, Mayor, City of Welland

"This funding will assist Fort Erie to continue its expansion of public transit to better serve our residents and to facilitate the eventual integration of the local transit systems in Niagara into one Region-wide system."

Wayne H. Redekop, Mayor of Fort Erie

"In Port Colborne, we know the important role partnerships play in building a healthy community as we rely on the Niagara Region and City of Welland to operate transit services for our residents. This announcement of investments and improvements to our transit system to help keep our community moving is a key component to ensuring our resiliency and recovery, and will provide the residents of Port Colborne with improved transportation options to travel across the region efficiently and safely".

Bill Steele, Mayor, City of Port Colborne

Quick facts

• 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.
• $28.7 billion of this funding is supporting public transit projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• 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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Backgrounder

Canada and Ontario invest in public transit and active transportation infrastructure for residents of the Niagara Region

Joint federal, provincial, and municipal funding through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan will support 31 public transit projects in the Niagara Region. These investments will support better connected and more sustainable communities.

The Government of Canada is investing over $31 million in these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS). The Government of Ontario is contributing more than $26 million, while the municipalities are contributing over $21 million.

Project Information:

Community	Project Name	Project Details	Federal Funding	Provincial Funding	Municipal / Other Funding
Fort Erie	Farebox Technology Integration	New farebox technology will allow riders to use one method of payment to access all of the transit systems in the Niagara Region, improving the quality of the public transit system.	$154,000	$128,321	$115,930
Niagara Falls	Bridge Street Multi-Modal Hub	Construction of a multi-modal hub that will increase access to local transit and transportation alternatives for visitors and commuters using the GO regional transit system to get to and from Niagara Falls. This project will create a gateway entrance for commuters and visitors, keeping pedestrians safe in a traffic-centric location.	$1,760,000	$1,466,520	$1,173,480
Niagara Falls	Extension of Parking and Storage Facilities	Expansion of the bus fleet parking facility will create additional indoor parking spaces for buses, increasing their longevity by reducing their exposure to the elements.	$1,540,000	$1,283,205	$1,026,795
Niagara Falls	Fuel System Upgrade	The installation of a new fuel and fluid tracking system, as well as various repairs to public transit vehicle equipment will facilitate fleet expansion and improve the efficiency of fueling procedures, allowing for passengers to enjoy a higher quality experience.	$88,000	$73,326	$58,674
Niagara Falls	Implementation of New Farebox System	Purchase of a new farebox system will allow customers to use one method of contactless payment to access all of the transit systems in the Niagara Region, enhancing customer experience and improving the overall quality of the transit system.	$440,000	$366,630	$293,370
Niagara Falls	In-Ground 3 Post Hoist	Purchase and installation of an in-ground hoist for bus repair, which will increase the efficiency and productivity of vehicle maintenance, resulting in a better experience for transit users.	$198,000	$164,984	$132,017
Niagara Falls	Layby Construction on Morrison St.	Construction of new bus parking/holding facilities will alleviate capacity pressure on the existing transit hub facility and improve the overall quality of the transit service.	$220,000	$183,315	$146,685
Niagara Falls	Purchase of an Automotive Lift	Purchase of an automotive lift for buses will maintain the useful life of the vehicles while enhancing safety and productivity, increasing the efficiency and quality of the public transit system.	$17,600	$14,665	$11,735
Niagara Falls	Radio Communications and Vehicle Location Systems Upgrade	Upgrading the transit fleet's radio communications and location systems will improve communication protocols, bettering the quality of service for passengers.	$352,000	$293,304	$234,696
Niagara Falls	Refurbishment of Four Conventional Transit Buses	Refurbishment of four transit buses will extend their useful life, reduce emissions, and improve the reliability of the transit system.	$330,000	$219,978	$110,022
Niagara Falls	Refurbishment of Six Conventional Transit Buses	Replacement of six bus transmissions which will improve fuel economy and transit reliability by lowering the need for maintenance.	$34,100	$22,731	$11,369
Niagara Falls	Replacement of Six Conventional Transit Buses	Replacement of six aging diesel buses with newer and better equipped buses, reducing the need for maintenance and resulting in better accessibility for riders.	$1,870,000	$1,558,178	$1,246,822
Niagara Falls	Supervisor Vehicle	An additional supervisor support vehicle will improve access to health and safety services, and reduce equipment repair wait times, leading to better service standards for passengers.	$30,800	$25,664	$20,536
Niagara Falls	Transit Bus High-Definition (HD) Video Camera Systems	Installation of video surveillance equipment on public transit buses will improve the safety and security of operators and passengers.	$396,000	$329,967	$264,033
Niagara Falls	Video Surveillance Equipment (Regional/Local Hubs)	Installation of video surveillance equipment at the Morrison/ Dorchester transit hub will improve the safety and security of transit customers and employees.	$22,000	$18,332	$14,669
Port Colborne	City of Port Colborne Nickel Beach Bike Lane Project	A newly constructed bike lane will enhance the safety of cyclists and improve connections to bus stops, leading to increased capacity and a higher quality service for users of the public transit system.	$195,168	$162,624	$468,628
Regional Municipality of Niagara	Fare Payment Technology	Installation of new fareboxes on buses will enable riders to use one method of payment to access all of the transit systems across the Niagara Region, increasing the quality and convenience of the transit system.	$542,300	$451,871	$361,579
Regional Municipality of Niagara	Purchase of Two Expansion Buses	Purchasing two new buses with updated technology will enhance service frequency, and improve the capacity and quality of the transit system.	$660,000	$549,945	$440,055
Regional Municipality of Niagara	Technology Upgrades	Upgrade of 29 buses with new technology, including radio communication systems and security cameras will improve the quality and safety of the public transit system.	$313,490	$261,216	$209,019
St. Catharines	Downtown Terminal Renovations	Renovating the downtown public transit terminal will provide improved facilities for increased workforce, as well as better capacity and quality service for passengers.	$230,000	$191,648	$153,353
St. Catharines	Expansion of Conventional Bus Fleet	Addition of 10 new buses which will increase the capacity of the St. Catharines transit system to offer expanded hours of service for high demand routes. All of the new buses in the expansion fleet will be fully accessible, equipped with new farebox technology, surveillance cameras for increased safety, and location tracking technology for transit users to track the arrival of their buses in real-time.	$3,570,000	$2,974,703	$2,380,298
St. Catharines	Facility Expansion	Expansion of the existing operations facility to accommodate the growing transit system. An expanded maintenance and bus storage facility will accommodate the growing fleet. An expanded office will make room for future regional transit headquarters as transit operations in Niagara become fully integrated.	$3,933,000	$3,277,172	$2,622,328
St. Catharines	Improvements to Bus Stops and Shelters	Renovation of 100 bus stop shelters. The improvements will include new scheduling information, signage, and seating.	$840,000	$699,930	$560,070
St. Catharines	New Fare Payment Technology	New farebox technology system will allow customers to pay for their trip using contactless payment on the 89-vehicle bus fleet. The new technology will also be compatible with the regional fare system enabling riders to use one method of payment to access all of the transit systems across the Niagara Region, making it easier for them to get to their destinations.	$1,596,000	$1,329,867	$1,064,133
St. Catharines	Rehabilitation of Hybrid Buses	Replacement of the battery and the dual Power Inverter Module (DPIM) on four hybrid buses to extend their service life. These improvements will ensure the continued reliability of the City's low-emission Hybrid bus fleet.	$345,000	$229,977	$115,023
St. Catharines	Replacement of Conventional 12 metre Buses	Replacement of 11 buses in 2020 and 2021, improving service reliability. The new buses will help reduce maintenance costs and increase the performance of the transit system. All of the new buses in the expansion fleet will be fully accessible, equipped with new farebox technology, surveillance cameras for increased safety, and location tracking technology for transit users to track the arrival of their buses.	$3,528,000	$2,939,706	$2,352,294
St. Catharines	Replacement of Paratransit Vehicles	Replacement of four paratransit buses and one paravan, providing a more reliable and safer service. The replacement buses will reduce maintenance costs and increase the paratransit system performance. All vehicles will meet and exceed the highest accessibility standards, be equipped with new farebox technology, surveillance cameras for increased safety, and location tracking technology for transit users to track the arrival of their buses.	$491,400	$409,459	$327,641
St. Catharines	Replacement of Service Vehicles	Replacement of 11 old service vehicles will provide residents with better on-road maintenance and offer more efficient transit services.	$191,100	$159,234	$127,416
St. Catharines	Replacement of Vehicle Hoists	Purchase of permanent and portable hoists for a bus maintenance facility will mean improved bus maintenance and better, more reliable service.	$802,200	$668,433	$534,867
St. Catharines	Technology Upgrade	Installation of a new radio system and video surveillance system on 89 vehicles. An additional 30 radios will be used in other locations including terminal hubs, transportation offices, and supervisor, maintenance, and shuttle vehicles.	$1,029,000	$857,414	$686,086
Welland	Construction of Transit Operations Facility	Construction of a new transit operations facility will meet the needs of a growing public transit network. The new facility will provide space for maintaining and managing all conventional and specialized buses and staff training.	$6,000,000	$4,999,500	$4,000,500

Associated links

Prime Minister announces support to help communities create jobs and restart the economy: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/06/01/prime-minister-announces-support-help-communities-create-jobs-and 

Government of Canada Resources - Coronavirus disease (COVID 19): www.canada.ca/coronavirus

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/on-eng.html

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Ontario Builds Project Map: https://www.ontario.ca/page/building-ontario

Ontario COVID-19 Resources: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

Contacts: Chantalle Aubertin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-697-3778, [email protected] ; Christine Bujold, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, 416-454-1782, [email protected]; Sofia Sousa-Dias, Communications Branch, Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure, 437-991-3391, [email protected]; Carey Campbell, Office of the Mayor and CAO, City of Niagara Falls, 905-380-4594, [email protected]; Daryl Barnhart, Executive Officer to the Regional Chair, Niagara Region, 289-969-3441, [email protected]; Scott Rosts, Chief of Staff Mayor's Office, City of St. Catharines, 905-688-5601 ext. 1567, [email protected]; Media Relations, Infrastructure Canada 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]

Related Links

www.infrastructure.gc.ca