The federal and provincial governments announced combined funding of more than $113 million in support of public transit projects in Mississauga.

The funding, which was announced on January 21, is in addition to the more than $44 million being funded by the municipality itself. The combined envelope of nearly $160 million will be spent on 12 projects across the city, including a new bus rapid transit corridor along Lakeshore Road.

The dedicated, two-way corridor will include three new stations between East Avenue and Deta Road, as well as separated bike lanes and sidewalks. That project alone is valued at more than $55 million.

"This is an exciting day for residents of Mississauga,” said Ontario Infrastructure Minister Laurie Scott. “Our investment of more than $51 million in 12 new public transit projects will provide residents with better access to more frequent and reliable public transit, connecting people to jobs safely and efficiently. This is another example how we are working collaboratively with our federal and municipal partners to make important investments in infrastructure. With today’s announcement, these projects can move from shovel-ready to shovels in the ground."

A further $44 million will be spent on rehabilitations to the city’s MiWay bus fleet. Upgrades are planned for bus engines, transmissions and energy storage systems—all with the view of extending fleet life.

The governments have also allocated a combined $36.8 million to the construction and installation of 88 new transit stop shelters along four priority corridors. The shelters will be fully heated with accessible doors and new digital signage.

Meanwhile, $700,000 has been allocated to the construction of two new accessible passenger pick-up laybys at bus stops, as well as the installation of public facing signage at 17 transit stations and terminals, and the addition of pylon signage at two transit stations.

"Upgrades to our MiWay fleet of buses, shelter improvements and the new Bus Rapid Transit corridor will create more efficiency and reliability in our system and ensure Mississauga residents have even more options to get around the region and beyond,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We also know that an integrated transit system is essential to creating complete communities and building our economy. MiWay is what truly keeps Mississauga moving, and these new investments go a long way in helping us create an even stronger public transit system."

Funding for the projects is being made under the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. Through it, the federal government will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.