Friday, October 30, 2015
Ministry of Transportation
Ontario Appoints Special Advisor on HIgh-Speed Rail
Province’s Plan for High-Speed Rail Will Transform Travel in Southwestern Ontario
Ontario has appointed the Honourable David Collenette as a special advisor to assist the province in bringing high-speed rail to the Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto corridor.
Mr. Collenette, a former federal Minister of Transport, will work with public and private sector stakeholders, as well as First Nations and Métis partners, to identify economic development opportunities associated with high-speed trains, assess international experience with high-speed rail and provide advice on a preliminary business case and potential financing models.
High-speed rail will improve travel options, reduce travel times and support economic development throughout the southwest corridor and across the province. It will also provide an opportunity to explore new partnerships between business and government, as well as new technologies.
Bringing high speed rail to the Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Toronto corridor is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario's history - more than $130 billion over 10 years, which is making 110,000 jobs possible every year on average across Ontario.
The province's infrastructure plan is supported by a number of initiatives, including broadening the ownership of Hydro One -- an approach that raises billions for infrastructure while ensuring consumers are protected. By unlocking the value of provincial assets, the government is supporting critical projects in cities, towns, and rural and remote communities all across Ontario.
Investing in high-speed rail is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- The province will consult with the public, municipalities, and business leaders, and engage with First Nations and Métis communities in the corridor.
- Planning for high-speed rail service that will connect Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo and Toronto is part of the Moving Ontario Forward initiative, the government’s long-term transit and infrastructure plan.
- Ontario’s population is expected to grow by approximately 40 per cent by 2041, placing additional importance on having modern infrastructure to support a growing population.
- Research shows that every $100 million of public infrastructure investment in Ontario boosts GDP by $114 million, particularly in construction and manufacturing sectors.
Background Information:
Quotes:
"Bringing high-speed rail to Ontario remains a steadfast commitment of our government, as we continue to build the modern transportation infrastructure our province needs to keep moving forward. We know that in order to compete globally for the best jobs and talent, we need transit systems that move people quickly and efficiently across this province, while reducing commute times and improving Ontario’s quality of life. I look forward to working with our special advisor, as well as our business partners, municipalities and First Nations and Métis communities, as we continue to build Ontario up by delivering this transformative vision. "
— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
"Our government is dedicated to investing in strategic infrastructure to grow our economy, including bringing high-speed rail to key corridors across the province. We recognize the importance of quick and efficient transit to keep both our people and our businesses moving. I look forward to working with our experienced special advisor to continue moving this initiative forward, and to ensure Ontario residents have access to modern, innovative transit infrastructure."
— Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
"I’m pleased to have the opportunity to serve the Ontario government for this historic project. High-speed rail is a landmark initiative that will transform travel across the entire province. "
— The Honourable David Collenette, Special Advisor, High Speed Rail
Media Contact:
Patrick Searle
Minister’s Office
patrick.searle@ontario.ca
Bob Nichols
Communications Branch
416-327-1158
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