A suite of City projects designed to make roads safer, ease congestion and stimulate the economy has received a $103.5-million funding commitment from the Government of Ontario.
On June 25, 2019, Infrastructure Minister Laurie Scott announced the Province would provide funding for 10 transit and transit-supportive projects City Council approved in March.
The projects include rapid transit elements, improvements to key intersections, and enhanced connections for cycling and other forms of active transportation.
“This is a monumental day for London,” said Mayor Ed Holder. “These projects will benefit all residents, stimulate job growth and improve the safety of our roads. We are grateful for the Ontario Government’s support, and look forward to working with our partners at the federal level to secure final approvals.”
In February 2019, City Council directed staff to bring forward a list of projects that would be eligible for federal and provincial funding designated for transit improvements in London. To be considered for the funding, the projects had to demonstrate they could improve the capacity of public transit, the quality and/or safety of transit, or access to public transit.
In March 2019, London City Council approved 10 projects to submit for funding consideration. The projects, which today received the provincial funding commitment, include:
- Wellington Gateway
- East London Link
- Downtown Loop
- Expansion Buses
- Bus Stop Amenities
- Intelligent Traffic Signals
- Adelaide Street Underpass Active Transportation Connections
- Dundas Place Thames Valley Parkway Active Transportation Connection
- Dundas Street Old East Village Streetscape Improvements
- Oxford Street / Wharncliffe Road Intersection Improvements
“These projects will help us ensure safe, comfortable transportation options for everyone in the city,” said Doug MacRae, the City’s Director of Roads and Transportation. “We’re thrilled the Province is making this significant investment to transform our transportation network.”
The next step is for the federal government to review the 10 projects and make final funding decisions. Most of the projects – which are part of the City’s Transportation Master Plan – are shovel-ready. With federal funding, construction could begin on some of the projects as early as 2020.