Hamilton LRT is 'going to happen,' says federal infrastructure minister

A day after the federal governmentannounced it would help fund a rapid transit system in Hamilton, Infrastructure and Communities MinisterCatherine McKenna confirmed her party struck a deal with the province for light-rail transit (LRT).

In a media briefing on Wednesday, McKenna said residents should be confident that Hamilton LRT willbecome a reality.

"It's going to happen 'cause we have a deal," said the Ottawa Centre MP, who was born in Hamilton.

"You have the commitment from the federal government and the province to go ahead and make significant investments in the full line, and that is a shovel-ready project."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday the Liberalgovernment would spend $12 billion ontransit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area.

Specifically, he said the money would cover a line connecting McMaster University in the west and Eastgate Centennial Park in Stoney Creek. He didn't say whether the funding was for LRT or bus rapid transit (BRT) system.

The province has already pledged toput $1 billion toward the project.

Hamilton needs to be 'on side'

Hamilton LRT is 'going to happen,' says federal infrastructure minister

3 years ago

Duration 1:12

Ottawa will help pay for Hamilton Light Rail Transit, according to Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna, a system that's been in the works since 2007.

McKenna said the agreement is a "$3.4-billion deal that is on the table" and the project still needs the "city to be on side."

"This is a great opportunity, and I think Minister [Caroline]Mulroney would agree that we are very serious about this project," she said about Ontario's transportation minister.

"Thisis about building an ambitious city. This is about good jobs right now at a time when we need good jobs and we need to restart our economy," said McKenna. "This is about climate change, this is about getting cars off the road and people into their homes faster."

Horwath says LRTrevival 'great victory'

Hamilton's LRT system has been in the works since 2007, when the city used a Metrolinx grant for an environmental assessment.

The plan involves a 14-kilometre system that runs alternately down Main and King streets from McMaster to Eastgate, although the plan has had at least three other iterations since 2007.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger has been advocating for the project since 2014, but some city councillors are opposed to it.

McKenna and Mulroney will make an official announcement Thursday at 10 a.m. ET.

In a Tuesday media release, OntarioNDP Leader and Hamilton Centre MPP Andrea Horwathsaid the revival of the Hamilton LRT was a "great victory."

But she added that the project was "ripped off the rails" inDecember 2019. That'swhen Mulroney cancelled the project, saying it wasover budget and Hamilton couldn't afford it.

"I'll be watching closely for the details, but one thing is certain: It's time to get shovels in the ground, and make people's commutes better with the Hamilton LRT," said Horwath.