Region signs multi-million dollar deal with feds for transit upgrades

The Region of Waterloo will be getting almost $72 million from the federal government to help build its transportation network over the next decade.

According to a press release, the highest level of government is making sure the region gets “long-term predictable” funding for transit, that will help the region replace or modernize the fleet and build new projects. This money is coming from the Canada Public Transit Fund’s Baseline Funding Stream.

The municipality will be getting around $7.1 million per year starting in 2026 until 2036.

“By investing in transit infrastructure, we’re not just improving mobility – we’re building the foundation for vibrant, sustainable communities where Canadians can live, work, and thrive, all while reducing our environmental impact for future generations,” Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo, said in the press release.

This comes after advocates and councillors in the area called on other levels of government to help fund local transportation. One of the goals would be to provide more frequent service, which advocates say would be “transformational” for the municipality.

Riders are also showing an interest in the system, with Grand River Transit (GRT) reporting numbers rising above pre-pandemic levels.

GRT busses and rail saw 6.5 million riders between April and June 2024 and 13.5 million in total for the year, an increase of almost 15 per cent year-over-year, and they see on average roughly 125,000 boardings each day.

Funding for housing also announced

This is on top of another $18 million specifically to address the region’s housing and homelessness crisis.

This money will be given to the municipality in two year’s time. It is a part of a recent announcement that the federal government made with a number of cities across Ontario and Saskatchewan with a combined total funding of $91 million.

This will help the region with encampments, renovate and re-open the women’s shelter in Kitchener and give temporary shelter for people during the renovation. According to the press release, the money will create and operate 66 shelter spaces for women in the region, while giving them specific support including the transition into affordable housing.

Something that is desperately needed as the region grapples with how to foot the bills on housing people. Councillors and advocates in the region have sounded the alarm about the need for more options.

The region recently released a Point-In-Time (PIT) Count that showed 2,371 individuals were experiencing homelessness in the area.

“We are committed to building affordable, connected and sustainable communities across the country. The federal government’s investments in the Region of Waterloo will make a big difference,” Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, said.