Actually, it’s $106 million.
Wow! Are you sitting down yet?
Thank you to the Federal and Provincial government! To our local representatives Lloyd Longfield and Liz Sandals! This partnership between all levels of government is what cities have been looking for!
This could also not come at a better time for us. This term, City Council unanimously approved a complete service review of Guelph transit. This review has already started and is occurring over the rest of 2018. An update on this review is coming to Council in April. We’re also just about to have a transit town hall next week (March 20th at city hall, 6:30pm)!
- Press release from the Federal government
- Provincial government release
- MP Lloyd Longfield release
- The City of Guelph press release
Next steps:
Our staff work plan already anticipates a report coming to City Council in May that identifies the phase two infrastructure funding. Or another way to put it, our “wish list!” This list would already include requests for transit but also touch on the other funding available for “social” and “green” infrastructure.
With today’s funding announcement, I will be requesting that City Council seek city staff to formally prepare a detailed plan that speaks to this funding allocation over the next 10 years. The funding is based on cost-sharing.
“Of the $106 million commitment, up to $58 million will be provided as the federal share (40%) and up to $48 million as the provincial share (33%). The municipal/partner investment required to maximize the federal/provincial commitment is $39 million, which represents a 27% cost-share.”
We must commit to this funding.
We need a plan.
We must stick to it.
Let’s celebrate together as a community this wonderful opportunity!
Take care,
Cam
P.S Today is “Thank your bus driver” day! So if you’re reading this on the bus, don’t forgot to say “thanks!”