File photo by Alec Ross, BlackburnNews.comFile photo by Alec Ross, BlackburnNews.com
London

Council Approves Infrastructure Projects, Rapid Transit Planning

London Council has approved $110-million worth of infrastructure projects, including an $11-million investment into advance planning for London’s rapid transit initiative.

On Tuesday, council approved $36-million for transit and transportation-related infrastructure projects, as well as over $10-million for water, wastewater and storm-water projects. More that $64-million will also be added to those projects from the federal and provincial governments under  Phase 1 of the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF).

Included in those investments is the $11-million for Shift, the city's rapid transit initiative, which will enable the city to move forward with a detailed environmental assessment.

“Shift is the largest infrastructure project in our city’s history and one of our top priorities,” says London Mayor Matt Brown in a media release. “Rapid Transit will change the way we move across our city and improve the quality of life for both Londoners and our visitors.”

The investments will also help to improve active transportation and strengthen the connecting links to London’s downtown. Also of note is a $17-million investment for London’s critical sewer separation program, which will help reduce storm-related overflows into the Thames River.

The Government of Canada is providing Ontario with over $1.4-billion under the new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, which will cover up to 50% of the funding needed for supported projects.

Details of Phase 2 of the infrastructure plan have yet to be released.

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