News Release: Province’s $1-Billion Investment Improves Transportation in Toronto

Province's $1-Billion Investment Improves Transportation in Toronto

TORONTO — The Ontario government has invested more than $1 billion since 1998 to build a healthy transportation system in Toronto, Transportation Minister David Turnbull announced today. Ontario's investment in Toronto's transportation system is improving traffic flow, enhancing road safety and improving the economy for commuters, businesses and travellers in Toronto and the province.

"This significant provincial investment in the transportation network of the City of Toronto will support continued economic growth and prosperity for the province," said Turnbull. "It will contribute to the safe and efficient movement of both goods and people in Ontario's most populated city, helping to fuel the province's economic engine."

On January 1, 1998 municipalities became fully responsible for funding municipal transit, as part of an agreement to improve the quality and efficiency of services provided by both levels of government. As part of this agreement, the province provided municipalities with annual tax room. For the City of Toronto, this amounted to $560 million.

Ontario's $1-billion transportation investment in Toronto since 1998 includes:

• $829 million in capital funding for the TTC to rehabilitate the system, improve safety and construct the Sheppard subway line
• $53 million for GO Transit (Toronto's share of Ontario's $106-million grant to GO Transit)
• $134 million in provincial highway improvements (part of the province's $453-million investment to highways across the GTA since 1998).

Furthermore, the province has provided special assistance to the City of Toronto, including $250 million in grants and interest-free loans.

“Ontario's investment in transportation is improving road safety and traffic flow,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Tony Clement. “A high quality transportation system is critical to ensuring economic growth and creating jobs. These investments will continue to benefit Toronto and Ontario in the future.”