Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Sarnia has completed a multi-year $11.1 million project to modernize its transit infrastructure, upgrade facilities and expand its fleet with 20 new buses.
Projects were supported by more than $4.7 million from the Government of Canada, more than $3.7 million from the Government of Ontario and more than $2.7 million from the City of Sarnia.
Work included upgrades to the city’s transit garage, construction of a new transit terminal and the replacement and expansion of Sarnia Transit’s fleet. The new vehicles include conventional, electric and specialized buses.
The infrastructure and fleet improvements are designed to increase transit safety, reliability and accessibility while expanding service capacity and improving amenities for passengers.
“This funding has been instrumental in renewing the transit fleet; enhancing our passenger experience at transit terminals; and improving accessibility for riders,” said David Jackson, Sarnia’s general manager of engineering and operations. “Long-term funding programs like ICIP allow municipalities to develop multi-year budgets and effectively implement our capital programs to ensure our transit system continues to serve rider needs.”
Construction was supported in part through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), which provides funding for the construction, expansion and upgrading of urban and rural transit networks. The funding program is designed to support improvements that strengthen transit services and help transform how Canadians live, move and work.
Sarnia also received $1.2 million through the 2025-26 Ontario Gas Tax program. The funding can be used for transit operating and capital expenditures.
Projects were completed throughout 2024 and 2025, according to the city.
“We are pleased that this funding was approved in time to support the successful completion of these projects throughout 2024 and 2025,” said Mayor Mike Bradley. “This investment helped facilitate the renewal of our transit services and strengthen our downtown core.”
