OLIVER MOORE
PUBLISHED MARCH 14, 2018UPDATED 28 MINUTES AGO
The federal government is promising billions for Ontario – including nearly $5-billion for Toronto transit – as part of the next tranche of their multi-year plan to fund infrastructure.
Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi made the pledge Wednesday at a transit facility in Mississauga, to the west of Toronto. The money is set to roll out over the next decade, which could make it subject to at least two more Liberal victories.
“The time to invest is now,” said Mr. Sohi, drawing a parallel with previous nation-building projects such as the trans-continental railway, the Trans-Canada highway and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
“I look forward to seeing the projects that will transform and positively impact our communities for generations to come.”
Ottawa specified that its funding must be matched by the province – at the same event Queen’s Park promised $10-billion for infrastructure – and by municipalities. The decision means that Toronto will need to come up with billions of its own, but that if it can do so it will be able to fund a meaningful transit expansion. [...]