$41M invested in Barrie transit projects
The federal and provincial governments announced more than $30 million in funding for five public transit projects in the City of Barrie on July 13. When combined with the municipality’s contribution of nearly $11 million, the total project funding envelope exceeds $41 million.
One of the scheduled construction projects is a new transit hub at the Allandale GO station. The project, which is worth nearly $10 million, will see construction of a new terminal, new bus platforms, stops and shelters, and additional bicycle parking. Also planned for construction is a downtown connection hub facility, which includes two new bus stops and a heated bus shelter. That project is valued at $326,000.
An additional $2.7 million is being spent on the installation of bus shelters with visual displays, the construction of concrete bus pads, the installation of bike racks, and new bus stop signs.
The governments have also made more than $28 million in funding for the replacement of conventional buses with 30 new, low-floor, accessible buses, and 21 new fully accessible, paratransit city buses.
“This combined federal, provincial and municipal investment in Barrie will offer our community updated and more accessible buses, and the new transit hub will ensure a better connected and integrated city,” said Mayor Jeff Lehman. “It will improve the ability of residents to travel and get to work, make connections and provide more active transportation options as our city grows.”
The Government of Canada is investing more than $16.4 million in these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $13.6 million.