Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan
Starting in 2016, the 12-year Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan (ICIP) will invest over $180 billion into infrastructure projects across the nation. The plan will take place in 2 phases, the first of which includes a focus on repairing and upgrading public transportation systems. The plan has allocated $28.7 billion to public transportation, broken down as such:
- $3.4 million over 3 years from the Budget 2016
- $20.1 billion from the public transit stream of the ICIP
- $5 billion allocated to the Canada Infrastructure Bank
- $100 million allocated to the Smart Cities Challenge
Through bilateral agreements with provinces and territories, these funds will be distributed to address the construction, improvement, rehabilitation and expansion of existing public transit infrastructure and to support new projects.
Over $13 billion of funding has been provided to more than 1,300 public transit projects across Canada. These investments have helped build more than 240 kilometers of new public transit, subway, and light rail line. It has also aided in the purchase of over 300 zero-emission buses and create nearly 500 kilometers of active transportation trails, bike and pedestrian lanes, and recreational paths.
In addition, the Government of Canada is committed to providing ICIP funding to projects which support small cities and rural and northern communities, such as:
- nearly $700,000 of federal funding towards improving Cape Breton Regional Municipalities traditional and para-transportation bus fleet
- enhancing the public transportation system in Brandon, Manitoba through investments into an improved para-transportation route mapping and automated notification system. Funding will also go towards safety enhancements, such fencing along high pedestrian-use areas, and connecting stations to the cities high-speed network
- the purchase of 12 new buses in the city of St. Catherine’s, Ontario to increase the reliability of the transit system
- on September 30, 2020, funding for 30 projects across central, northern, and southern Ontario were announced, with federal funding totaling over $23 million. Projects include expanded bus fleets, improving station amenities, and improving pedestrian and cyclist access to transit services
Municipalities across the nation are utilizing these funds to improve shorten commutes, improve efficiency, reduce emissions, grow Canada’s economy, and improve the overall lives of Canadians.
Major public transit projects
As our urban centers continue to grow, the need for diversified, reliable, and efficient public transportation follows suit. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a short-term decrease in public transportation ridership, the long-term importance of investments into public transit projects is recognized. Work on such projects continues to move forward, some of which are highlighted below:
The Réseau express métropolitain
The largest public transit project witnessed in Quebec over the last 50 years, the Réseau express métropolitain is an automatic light rail network which spans across 67 km of tracks, stopping at 26 stations. Integrated into existing transit systems, the network will nearly double length of Montreal’s rail systems and connect to hot-spots such as the Montreal-Trudeau Airport. The system is also low-emission, utilizing 100% electric power.
OC Transpo LRT Stage 2
On September 14, 2019, the first phase of the Confederation Line opened for business in Ottawa. Stage 2 is now underway, with work already commencing on all 3 planned O-Train extensions. In total, stage 2 will add 44 km of rail, 24 stations, and bring 77% of Ottawa residents within 5 kilometers of rail access. The total cost is projected at $4.657 billion, with $1 billion coming from the federal government.
Kingston Public Transportation Project
On August 10, 2020, the Government of Canada approved 8 new public transportation projects in Kingston, Ontario. These projects total to over $47 million, with funding coming from all 3 levels of government. Over $17 million will be provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan. Projects include enhanced pedestrian and cyclist access to transit systems, as well as 7 new buses for the fleet. The project aims to improve the reliability and quality of the transit system while also reducing emissions.