Governments of Canada and Ontario invest in public transit in Sioux Lookout

SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON, Dec. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - 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. The governments of Canada and Ontario are making investments that will help create well-paying jobs and grow the middle class now while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Del Duca, Ontario Minister of Transportation, and His Worship Doug Lawrance, Mayor of the Corporation of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, today announced funding for two new transit projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will benefit the residents of Sioux Lookout. The Government of Canada is providing $50,000 and Sioux Lookout will provide the balance of funding.

The Municipality of Sioux Lookout will put a portion of the funding towards the design and planning for the expansion and improvement to public transit systems to determine what kind of transportation network, signage, and pick up zones would be useful between Sioux Lookout and the hamlet of Hudson. This funding will also cover the cost of support services and materials. The rest of the funding will be used to purchase an additional accessible transit vehicle to expand the transit service beyond just the urban centre, accommodating the residents of Sioux Lookout who wish to easily travel to and from the medical, retail and recreational services. These updates will enhance accessibility and make Sioux Lookout a more inclusive and sustainable community.

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 middle class and getting Canadians where they need to go. These projects will improve public transit in Sioux Lookout and help to build a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable municipality."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"This funding will help to connect communities for a cleaner, greener, more efficient commute. I am pleased to work with our federal and municipal partners to improve transit options in Sioux Lookout and across our region."

The Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Del Duca, Ontario Minister of Transportation

"Public transit is becoming essential for many people in Sioux Lookout. We are grateful for projects like these that provide the opportunity to improve Sioux Lookout's transit services and infrastructure. These announcements further demonstrate our dedication to enhance this community's unique character as The Hub of the North by promoting services for both visitors and residents alike."

His Worship Doug Lawrance, Mayor of the Corporation of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada will invest 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 more than $3.7 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+ infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/on-eng.html

The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php

Building Ontario - Infrastructure Plan: https://www.ontario.ca/page/building-ontario

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada