North Bay will benefit from an agreement between the federal and provincial governments that will deliver $26.5 million in funding for transit over 10 years.
MP Anthony Rota and Mayor Al McDonald teamed up to make the announcement at the Peter Reid Stop at North Bay’s Transit Terminal, Friday.
Under the public transit stream, North Bay will receive $14.5 million in federal funding and $12 million in provincial funding to build new transit networks and service extensions.
Manager Director of Community Services John Severino says that project highlights and initiatives already have or will soon improve accessibility, modernize technology, and make capital improvements.
Severino acknowledges that winters can be challenging but the funds will go towards sidewalk construction, the addition of bus shelters and canopies, and the addition of two van-style para-buses to the fleet to augment accessibility.
He says the installation of video surveillance cameras on all transit vehicles will improve safety and security for transit riders and operators.
McDonald made a point to thank Rota for his efforts in advocating for a restructuring of the funding to match projects in North Bay over the 10-year period.
A release states the governments of Canada and Ontario are working together to make long-term infrastructure investments to create economic growth, build inclusive communities and support a low carbon, green economy.
This bilateral agreement that will provide more than $11.8 billion over the next decade in federal funding dedicated to infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada plan.
This plan is also aiding other Northern communities. It was also announced Friday that Sault Ste. Marie is receiving more than 17.4 million dollars from the federal government and 14.3 million from the province for public transit projects for a total of $31.7 million.
And, Greater Sudbury will be on the receiving end of more than $70 million total in federal and provincial transit funding.
