News release

For immediate release

Canada and Ontario make new funding available for transformative infrastructure
projects in Thunder Bay
Funding of over $60.7 million available in federal and provincial funding for local public transit projects

Thunder Bay, ON - March 16, 2018 —The governments of Canada and Ontario are working together to
make long-term infrastructure investments to create economic growth, build inclusive communities and
support a low carbon, green economy–leading to a higher quality of life for all Canadians.

On March 14, 2018, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the
Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, announced the signing of a bilateral
agreement that will provide more than $11.8 billion over the next decade in federal funding dedicated to
infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada plan. The projects supported through this agreement
will have a total value of over $31 billion, including $10 billion committed by the Ontario government.
These projects will be cost-shared with the Ontario government, municipalities and other partners.

Through this agreement, the Government of Canada will be making unprecedented investments towards
infrastructure across Ontario and providing the flexibility for its communities to identify their priorities and
projects. These investments will help transform Canada in four priority areas: public transit; green
infrastructure; community, culture and recreation infrastructure; and rural and northern community
infrastructure.

Under the public transit stream, Thunder Bay will receive more than $33 million in federal funding and
more than $27 million in provincial funding to build new urban transit networks and service extensions
that will transform the way Canadians live, move and work. In addition, other local communities will
receive federal funding of more than $228,000 and provincial funding of nearly $189,000 to strengthen
their public transit systems.

These investments will make a positive difference in communities, resulting in the better movement of
people and goods, providing clean air and water, and enabling smarter and more efficient cities.

Quotes
“These unprecedented investments will continue to our work to create safer, greener and stronger
communities across Northwestern Ontario and improve the quality of life for all of us. Collaboration and
partnerships have been at the heart of the success of our Investing in Canada plan and I look forward to
seeing the results of the great projects our region will build in the years to come.” Hon. Patty Hajdu,
Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North

“It’s exciting to see that investments are being made in developing Public Transit in Northwestern Ontario.
We are proud to fund these initiatives and know that it is an essential step towards transforming the way
that people in our region live, move and work. These investments will make a positive difference towards
creating greener and more efficient communities in Thunder Bay—Rainy River and across Canada.”
Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River

“At its core, infrastructure is about people. Ontario needs high-quality public infrastructure to support
economic opportunities and a high standard of living. Our government understands this, which is why
we’re making unprecedented infrastructure investments that the people of Ontario need and deserve.
Ontario has committed $10 billion to infrastructure investments in partnership with the federal government
and as a result of this, I am pleased that Thunder Bay will be receiving approximately $27,442,211 in
provincial public transit funding. This investment presents an opportunity to maintain and improve vital
networks of connection for Northerners in this region, which will enhance quality of life, improve the flow
of goods, and help keep the community moving.”
Michael Gravelle, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North

“These investments demonstrate a commitment from all three levels of government to continue to build a
stronger, better, Thunder Bay. By supporting public infrastructure such as public transit, recreation
facilities, and green projects, we are also providing for a high quality of life for families in our community."
Bill Mauro, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay – Atikokan

"We are truly appreciative of the role the Federal and Provincial governments continue to play in helping
to move communities forward with infrastructure funding," said Mayor Keith Hobbs. "This funding will
continue to build upon Transit projects that were started during Phase 1 of this funding initiative, as well
as create new projects for the City. This includes fleet renewal, technology advancements, transfer hub
and accessible bus stop improvements and pedestrian connectivity to the transit system. "
Keith Hobbs, Mayor of Thunder Bay

Quick facts

 Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing 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.
 Under the first phase of the plan, Infrastructure Canada has approved nearly 3,500 projects worth
a combined investment of more than $8.4 billion.
 As part of the Plan, Infrastructure Canada will deliver over 11.8 billion to Ontario over the next
decade through a new bilateral agreement under four funding streams:
o $8,340,401,116 for public transit;
o $2,848,855,330 for green infrastructure;
o $407,159,893 for community, cultural and recreational infrastructure; and
o $250,067,117 for wide-ranging infrastructure needs in rural and northern communities.

Associated links

Government of Canada’s $180-billion+ Investing in Canada plan:

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/on-eng.html

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Contacts

Jamie Smith
Communications Officer for Hon. Patty Hajdu
Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North
P: (807) 766-2090
C: (807) 356-0098
E: patty.hajdu.c1d@parl.gc.ca