Ontario Construction News staff writer
Funding has been announced for nine projects that will better connect Windsor residents to public transit, encourage active transportation, and improve the quality of the public transit system overall, as well as one multi-purpose pathway project in Tecumseh.
In Windsor, the purchase of 19 buses will allow the city to replace 16 buses that have exceeded their useful life, while expanding the fleet’s capacity by three, to meet system needs. Also, the construction and rehabilitation of sidewalks, pathways and bike lanes throughout the city will make it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to commute to their destinations or to directly access public transit.
It’s another step toward making the city more accessible, says the mayor, highlighting investments in our 2019 and 2020 capital budgets and City Council’s unanimous vote to adopt the Transit Master Plan as initiatives to modernize Transit Windsor.
“Our $3.7 million investment in transit fleet and infrastructure, combined with this generous financial support from our federal and provincial government partners, brings 19 new busses to our community helping us deliver on a promise to create new routes, more direct connections, extended hours, economic growth, improved customer service and a bigger, more modern fleet to better meet the needs of our growing community, while reducing the stress on our environment,” said Drew Dilkins
In Tecumseh, the construction of a new three-kilometre multi-purpose pathway will link the Tecumseh Hamlet to the Tecumseh Transit Service, providing residents with easier access to public transit.
“Our public transit project connects active transportation with our Tecumseh Transit service by building a multi-use trail on Lesperance Road between County Roads 22 and 42,” said Gary McNamara, mayor of Tecumseh. “This new trail will improve access to transit and established trail networks and fits perfectly with Council’s priority to expand the Town’s sustainable infrastructure. The 2.4 m wide multi-use trail will be built along the west side of Lesperance, over a 3km stretch. We are excited to get this project underway in the next year and provide residents with better opportunities to access and use the transit service and stay active.”
Together, the investments will “make it easier for residents to get around their community safely while facilitating active transportation.”
The Government of Canada is investing more than $12.6 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is providing over $10.5 million, while the City of Windsor is contributing more than $25.1 million and the City of Tecumseh is contributing $580,314.
Across the province, Ontario is investing more than $7.3 billion in public transit infrastructure over 10 years through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
“Investing in modern public transit systems that are better connected to active transportation networks is essential to building the healthy, sustainable communities of tomorrow,” said Irek Kusmierczyk, Windsor-Tecumseh Member of Parliament.
“Important upgrades to Windsor’s transit fleet as well as improvements to bike pathways and sidewalks in both Windsor and Tecumseh will make it easier for residents to access the services they need. These projects are great examples of working with our partners to build infrastructure that connects our communities and serves Canadians.”