Government of Canada to invest C$21.5 million in transit projects

The government of Canada is providing the city of Burlington and the town of Milton, Ontario, C$21.2 million (US$14.7 million) in federal funding during the next 10 years from 2026 until 2036 through the Canada Public Transit Fund to help both the city and town with transit-related infrastructure projects. The government of Canada notes the funding is conditional on the cities submitting a capital plan, and the subsequent signing of a funding agreement. 

The government of Canada is also giving the municipality of West Hants, Nova Scotia, C$335,765 (US$232,274) in federal funding through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, so the municipality can purchase zero-emission buses. 

City of Burlington 

The funding going to the city of Burlington will help advance key improvements to the city’s public transit system, as well as contribute toward upgrading, replacing or modernizing current public transit and active transportation infrastructure.  

“Burlington is a great place to live. It’s important that our local services can keep pace with the growing number of people that come to live in our community. That’s why the federal government is partnering with the city of Burlington to invest nearly C$14 million (US$9.7 million) over 10 years to ensure that the residents of Burlington can continue to enjoy modern and reliable public transit services,” said Member of Parliament for Burlington Karina Gould. 

“Investments in public transit ensure all our residents can participate fully in the life of our community. They are good for the environment, for reducing traffic congestion and good for business, bringing workers to jobs. I am very grateful for this investment from our partners in the federal government which provides the predictable, sustainable funding we need to build a transit system for today and tomorrow,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. 

According to the government of Canada, Burlington Transit has 70 conventional buses and 15 specialized transit vehicles. The government of Canada notes from 2019 to 2024, there was approximately a 40 percent increase in transit ridership in Burlington, exceeding pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels in 2024. Burlington Transit offered seven routes that offered 15-minute service or better during peak travel times and provided more than 68,000 specialized transit trips in 2024.  

Town of Milton 

The funding going to the town of Milton will help with long-term planning and enable the town to upgrade, replace or modernize current public transit and active transportation infrastructure. The government of Canada notes ridership on public transit in Milton continues to grow rapidly. 

"Milton is one of Canada’s fastest growing communities and our public transit system needs to keep pace. The federal government is investing over C$7 million (US$4.8 million) over 10 years so that Milton can benefit from updated public transit that connects residents to places, services, family and friends. By making this investment, the federal government is helping to decrease pollution and traffic congestion while making life more affordable," said Member of Parliament for Milton Adam Van Koeverden. 

"Today’s announcement is a pivotal moment for the town of Milton as we continue to build a community that is connected, sustainable and ready for the future. This significant investment of over $7.2 million (US$5 million) through the Canada Public Transit Fund will enable us to enhance our public transit system, ensuring it meets the needs of our growing population. Reliable and modern transit infrastructure is vital for supporting our residents, fostering economic growth and reducing our environmental footprint. On behalf of the town of Milton, I extend my gratitude to the federal government for their commitment to our community’s success,” said Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz. 

Municipality of West Hants 

The funding going to the municipality of West Hants will enable West Hants Dial-A-Ride to expand its fleet with the purchase of two hybrid accessible vehicles and two zero-emission vehicles. The government of Canada says the additional vehicles will help residents of West Hants complete their day-to-day activities, such as going to work, attending medical activities and participating in social activities. 

“West Hants needs safe, reliable and environmentally friendly transportation options. Everyone deserves to be able to get where they need to go. It improves our quality of life and helps create a stronger economic future for Nova Scotia. I’m proud that we have been able to support West Hants Dial-A-Ride as they expand to help more people in our community,” said Member of the Legislative Assembly for Hants West Melissa Sheehy-Richard. 

“The funding from the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada will allow Dial-A-Ride to add to our fleet, so we can meet the current and future demands for our service. This opportunity will also allow us to expand our electric vehicles fleet and move away from having gas vehicles in the future, which would not have been possible with our current resources,” said Executive Director of the Family Resource Center of West Hants Kim Fahie. 

Along with the funding from the government of Canada, the province of Nova Scotia is contributing C$81,893 (US$56,720) and West Hants Dial-A-Ride is contributing C$2,049 (US$1,418). Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the contribution agreement.