Monday, January 18, 2016
City of London
Mayor Brown to present at Ontario's pre-budget consultation
Today, Mayor Matt Brown will address the Ontario Government’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs which is seeking input on the Ontario 2016 Budget, where he will explain the need for a partnership with the provincial government on London’s Rapid Transit initiative.
The Ontario Government is investing more than $130 billion into infrastructure in communities across the Province. Through the Moving Ontario Forward process, the Province is investing $15 billion for public transit and other priority infrastructure projects outside of the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area.
London is requesting $388 million from the Ontario Government to be phased out over a ten-year period, beginning in 2017 for Shift. The City’s request represents approximately 2.5% of the funds available through Moving Ontario Forward.
“Cities are the economic engines of our Province,” said Mayor Matt Brown. “We are reaching out in this way because when London and other large cities grow, Ontario thrives.”
London is the largest city in Canada without a Rapid Transit system. Shift charts the course for a different future for London. It envisions a 22km Rapid Transit system; including improved road, bus and active transportation networks throughout the city; and will result in a more efficient, sustainable, convenient and connected city.
In November 2015, City Council endorsed a Hybrid Light Rail Transit/Bus Rapid Transit System as the preliminary preferred option. Overall, the estimated capital cost of Shift is $900 million. The City has committed $125 million towards the capital costs and will pay for ongoing operating and maintenance costs. The City is also requesting funds from the federal government.
More than 40,000 Londoners have been involved in public engagement which has helped shape the option endorsed by City Council.
For more information on Shift, Our Rapid Transit Initiative visit shiftlondon.ca.
Media Contact:
Shobhita Sharma
Press Secretary
Office of Mayor Matt Brown
ssharma@london.ca
519-661-2500 ext 4850
519-854-7141
Adam Thompson
Manager, Government and External Relations
athompson@london.ca
519-854-4767
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