Joint investment of C$4.2 million to fund transit improvements for city of North Bay, Ontario

May 20, 2024
The funding will help purchase two new gas buses and six hybrid buses and upgrade a key transit terminal with a video screen displaying arrival times, as well as new heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

A combined investment of C$4.2 million (US$3.09 million) from the government of Canada, the government of Ontario and the city of North Bay, Ontario, will help purchase two new gas buses and six hybrid buses for the city of North Bay. The funding will also allow the city to buy new maintenance equipment, including five transit-vehicle lifting devices.  

The investment will also go towards upgrading a key transit terminal with a video screen displaying arrival times, as well as new heating, ventilation and air conditioning.  

“This is wonderful news for North Bay. Investing in public transit infrastructure is essential for our community's economic development. It not only helps in curbing air pollution, but also fosters inclusivity by providing everyone with access to public services and job opportunities,” said Member of Parliament for Nipissing—Timiskaming Anthony Rota.  

“This is a great day for transit riders in North Bay. We’re expanding access to transit throughout the city and connecting more people to jobs, housing and other opportunities as we lower our emissions and make major improvements to one of North Bay’s key transit terminals. There’s never been a better time to take transit in North Bay,” said Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing Vic Fedeli.   

The government of Canada is investing a total of C$1.7 million (US$1.2 million) through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support the transit projects. The government of Ontario is contributing a total of C$1.4 million (US$1 million) and the city of North Bay is contributing C$1.1 million (US$807,636). The breakdown of funding is as follows: 

Government of Canada 

  • Buses- C$1.2 million (US$881,176) 
  • Transit-vehicle lifting devices- C$291,621 (US$214,135) 
  • Upgrades to the key transit terminal- C$142,254 (US$104,456) 

Government of Ontario 

  • Buses- C$1 million (US$734,435) 
  • Transit-vehicle lifting devices- C$242,993 (US$178,484) 
  •  Upgrades to the key transit terminal- C$118,533 (US$87,065) 

City of North Bay 

  • Buses- C$813,487 (597,721) 
  • Transit-vehicle lifting devices- C$194,438 (US$142,870) 
  • Upgrades to the key transit terminal- C$94,848 (US$69,692) 

"These upgrades, from new buses to maintenance equipment and terminal improvements, highlight our commitment to safe, modern transit, as well as our goal of reducing emissions. The city of North Bay is proud of this collaborative effort and its positive impact on our community and we're grateful for the ongoing support from the provincial and federal governments,” said North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico. 

About the Author

Brandon Lewis | Associate Editor

Brandon Lewis is a recent graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lewis is a former freelance editorial assistant at Vehicle Service Pros.com in Endeavor Business Media’s Vehicle Repair Group. Lewis brings his knowledge of web managing, copyediting and SEO practices to Mass Transit Magazine as an associate editor.