The provincial government says it will invest nearly $20 million in 11 new transit projects in Orillia, Barrie and Midland under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), a 10-year, $30 billion fund to help municipalities repair or build critical infrastructure.
Premier Doug Ford, Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North, and Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte, announced the funding at a news conference on Aug. 22.
“Our government is making historic investments in infrastructure to make life easier and get people moving,” Premier Ford said. “When we build better transit in communities across Ontario like Barrie, Orillia and Midland, it boosts the local economy and municipalities can see increasing revenues that they can reinvest in frontline community services and programs. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
To provide a better transit experience and get people moving, the government is investing more than $5.4 million towards Orillia projects, including:
- Nearly $3.7 million for a new transit terminal;
- $226,000 for 30 accessible bus shelters.
Barrie projects
The government is also investing more than $13.6 million in five Barrie projects, including:
- Nearly $3.3 million for the new Allandale Mobility Hub terminal that will connect to GO Transit;
- More than $900,000 to improve infrastructure, including 16 heated shelters, 100 bike racks, 750 new bus stop signs, and 135 shelters; and\
- Nearly $110,000 for two new lay-by lane bus stops at the downtown transit hub to accommodate six buses at one time.
“Families in Barrie depend on reliable and efficient public transportation,” said Downey. “When we invest in smart infrastructure, we create jobs and grow the economy, shaping the future for hard-working families in Ontario.”
The projects are now with the federal government for final funding decisions as they are reviewed for eligibility under the ICIP program. Some projects could begin as soon as fall 2019.