Posted May 13, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release: Citizen LRT Group Backs $3.4 Billion LRT Plan for Hamilton
Hamilton, Ontario (May 13, 2021) — Hamilton Light Rail (HLR), an independent grassroots organization with over 5,000 supporters city-wide, strongly supports the new $3.4 Billion LRT funding plan for Hamilton.
Today the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas, and Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Minister of Transportation announced that both governments have signed a deal to invest nearly $3.4 billion in the shovel-ready Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.
Each government is contributing 50% of eligible project costs, up to $1.7 billion. The federal contribution has been designated for LRT investment only. The project's life cycle costs will be covered by the Government of Ontario.
This new transit system will offer frequent and reliable service from McMaster University in the west, through downtown Hamilton to Eastgate Square.
"LRT will create thousands of jobs, provide economic uplift, increase affordable housing, cut CO2 emissions and replace aging underground infrastructure. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity we cannot pass up. Further, this new funding plan is an all or nothing offer from the federal and provincial governments as LRT is the only shovel-ready post-pandemic stimulus project with local support," said HLR spokesperson Ryan McGreal.
LRT support comes from all corners of Hamilton with an unprecedented coalition of community organizations voicing their support for the plan. Further, the project received city-wide support in the last municipal election where the pro-LRT candidate received an absolute majority of votes and won 13 out of 15 wards including the lower city, mountain, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas and Glanbrook.
About Hamilton Light Rail
Hamilton Light Rail (HLR) is an independent group of citizens who believe that Hamilton needs an ambitious approach to economic development and urban revitalization based around high-quality rapid transit. To that end, we are dedicated to promoting the goal of building a light rail transit (LRT) system in Hamilton.
Contact Information:
Website: http://hamiltonlightrail.ca
Email: ryan@quandyfactory.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamiltonlightrail
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HamOntLightRail
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