Background
Since the last days of August, Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria has been moving quickly across the province to announce new government investments in Ontario’s public transit and infrastructure. With upgrades to Ontario’s highways, rehabilitation of important bridges and roads, and new progress on high-profile Toronto transit projects a signature part of the government’s agenda, the Ford government aims to continue demonstrating to Ontario voters that it is committed to delivering improvements to their daily lives in advance of a potential early election.
Minister Sarkaria’s recent announcement echoes those made by Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma, who earlier in the summer announced $400 million in funding for new Roads and Bridges to connect people and businesses together, $190 billion in long-term economic investments in hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure over the next ten years, and the testing of next-generation technology to help build infrastructure faster and on budget. This flurry of announcements builds on Ford’s mission to build a stronger Ontario, which is led chiefly by the government’s flagship project, Highway 413, which will begin construction in 2025.
Specific Projects
- The Ontario government announced the long-awaited completion of all stops along the Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. With 18 stops spread across the 11-kilometre track, the government projects that the line will move around 46,000 passengers each weekday and bring faster, more reliable and accessible transit to more than 230,000 people. The Finch LRT will connect with other regional transit services, including two underground Toronto Transit Commission subway stations. Premier Ford followed this milestone in an October announcement, stating that construction had begun across the entire Ontario Line.
- Minister Sarkaria joined Premier Ford in announcing the exploration and technical evaluation of a tunnel under Highway 401 through the downtown Toronto core. The government hopes to relieve congestion on one of the busiest highways in North America. This tunnel would increase the capacity of the 401, and help reduce the $11 billion drain traffic already costs residents and businesses in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area
- Joined by his federal counterpart, Sean Fraser, Minister Sarkaria announced that workers have officially broken ground at three stations central to the future Ontario Line Project. These stations, King-Bathurst, Queen-Spadina, and Moss Park, will serve an average of between 5,000 and 7,000 riders per day during the morning rush. The government projects that the 15.6-kilometre Ontario Line will bring more than 227,5000 people within walking distance of public transit and cut 28,000 daily car rides.
- The Ontario government announced the completion of the $63 million rehabilitation project for the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge, which helped replace the bridge deck, widen the shoulders, and fund repairs. This 850-metre bridge is a critical connection for Prince Edward County to the rest of the Province. On average, it is estimated that 5,200 vehicles travel over the bridge, demonstrating the importance of this project.
- As part of the government’s $3.9 billion Ontario Highways Program, Parliamentary Assistant Ric Bresee, on behalf of Minister Sarkaria, announced its support for improving sections of Highway 401 in Kingston with a $6 million investment. In addition to lane renewals and resurfacing, the project will seek to conduct important repair work on two bridges critical to the region’s connectivity and future economic growth.
What is the government saying?
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re advancing the projects that matter most—ensuring fast, reliable and accessible transit that will connect more people to good-paying local jobs and housing, while fueling economic growth for a stronger Ontario.” – Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.
What is the opposition saying?
“Let’s be clear – we need to build this subway extension, and we need more transit options and housing density near those transit stations. But with Doug Ford, what’s good for the people will always take a backseat to the priorities of his friends and donors. Now, the credibility of a major public infrastructure project is being called into question.” – Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP Leader.
What are stakeholders saying?
“Relieving congestion and moving people and goods across the GTHA is critical to our economic prosperity. We’re pleased to be working with MTO on this study and active major projects like the QEW Credit River Bridge and Garden City Skyway to improve commute times for those in the region.” – Michael Lindsay, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario.
“Investments like these are critical to Kingston’s growth and prosperity. By improving Highway 401 and its infrastructure, we are not only enhancing safety and reducing traffic congestion, but also strengthening our city’s connection to vital trade routes. This project will benefit local families, businesses, and our economy for years to come.” – Bryan Paterson, Mayor of Kingston.
“Substantial progress continues to be made on the Finch West LRT project. With all major construction completed, we are a step closer to bringing fast, frequent light rail service to northwest Toronto.” – Phil Verster, President and CEO of Metrolinx.
Conclusion
With the PCs commanding a notable lead in recent polls, increased speculation about the incumbent PC government’s potential snap election continues to be rampant. With transportation infrastructure historically serving as a critical priority for the PC’s electability, these announcements demonstrate the tactical way the Ford government will continue delivering for Ontario families and businesses.