Ontario Construction News staff writer
An investment of $2.74 million in cycling infrastructure, along with implementation of Year 5 of the 10-Year Transit Strategy and spending for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure are among key multi-modal transportation investments Hamilton approved in the 2021 budget.
The overall 2021 tax supported capital budget for the city is $484.4 million.
Council approved $3.65 million for cycling infrastructure in 2021, including approximately 19-kilometres of new and upgraded bicycle lanes, 3.2 kilometres of new multi-use trails and continued expansion of bike parking racks.
Construction highlights for 2021:
- 500 MacNab Passive House (CityHousing Hamilton) under construction
- Valley Park Library LEED under construction
- Completion of the Biosolids Management Facility
The city is moving ahead with its 10-year transit strategy with enhancements such as 46,000 additional service hours, rehabilitative improvements to over 90 bus stops throughout the transit network and replacement of 66 shelters and 20 new shelter locations.
“Hamilton is taking the necessary steps today to ensure we have the multi-modal transportation system we need to drive our economy and improve our quality of life far into the future,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
“That means continuing to make it easy for people to get where they need to go through improved roads, cycling networks and public transit, and continuously improving our already robust goods movement network of airport, rail, 400-series roads and harbour facilities. We are taking action to ensure that our growing community is better-designed, healthier, and more livable than ever before.”
In 2021, 20 new EV charging stations are slated to be installed in municipal parking lots that will provide electric car users with improved accessibility to charging stations throughout the city.
A council priority, investment in a variety of multi-modal transportation options including transit, cycling infrastructure, micro-mobility systems, pedestrian mobility, and road infrastructure help to create a more sustainable and active Hamilton.
Additional transportation options are also identified in the master plan designed to accommodate growth to 2031 and beyond and reflect Hamilton’s role as a major distribution hub of goods in Southern Ontario.
Additional investments outlined in the 2021 municipal operating budget that support multi-modal transportation, include:
- Reimagining the HSR campaign, which is an opportunity for all Hamilton residents, including current and potential HSR customers to provide their thoughts on HSR’s current service and how we may reconfigure routes, evolve schedules and improve service.
- Solidifying and enhancing the Hamilton Bike Share system and enhancing the range of micro-mobility choices available including e-scooters.
- Development of a Complete, Livable, Better Streets Design Manual, that will help design complete streets that support walking, cycling, transit, and driving for people of all ages and abilities.
- Major right-of-way rehabilitation projects on Rymal Road, Regional Road 56 and neighbourhood resurfacing projects.
Council will formally approve the 2021 budget on March 31.