Feds invest $600 million in the City of Ottawa’s Transit plan

The Honourable John Baird, Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister and Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, along with Members of Parliament representing Ottawa, including the Honourable Gordon O’Connor, Pierre Poilievre, and Royal Galipeau, today announced that the Government of Canada will set aside up to $600 million for the City of Ottawa’s Transit Plan.

“This historic investment in Ottawa’s public transit infrastructure demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to building sustainable and healthy communities,” said Minister Baird. “With this funding, I expect that the City will work towards a practical and affordable plan to serve the needs of the residents of Ottawa.”

In addition to this funding, the Government of Canada provides the City of Ottawa with approximately $50 million per year from the federal Gas Tax Fund, which the City has chosen to dedicate to public transit improvements.

“A strong transit system for the National Capital Region is vital,” said Royal Galipeau, M.P. “In a growing urban environment, it’s important that people are able to rely on public transit to get them where they need to go – on time and safely.”

 

This investment in Ottawa transit will help the City of Ottawa achieve its goal to increase public transit use to 30 per cent by 2031. It will create local jobs, reduce traffic congestion, help protect our environment, and improve the quality of life for Ottawa residents.