Government of Canada to invest C$346.9 million in transit projects

The government of Canada is investing a total of C$346.9 million (US$240.6 million) in funding to the city of Ottawa, Ontario, the city of Mississauga, Ontario, and the town of Canmore, Alberta, for transit-related projects. 

City of Ottawa 

The city of Ottawa will receive more than C$222 million (US$154 million) in federal funding during the next 10 years from 2026 until 2036 through the Canada Public Transit Fund to upgrade, replace or modernize its public transit infrastructure and maintain it in a state of good repair. The funding will help increase the housing supply and affordability as part of complete, transit-oriented communities while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 

“We are committed to building high quality and affordable public transit, and this new long-term funding will make a big difference,” said Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. 

City of Mississauga 

The government of Canada will be investing C$123 million (US$85.3 million) in transit funding for the city of Mississauga through the Canada Public Transit Fund and the Zero Emissions Transit Fund. Through the Canada Public Transit Fund, the city’s transit authority, MiWay, will receive a funding allocation of more than C$112 million (US$77.7 million) between 2026 and 2036 to help contribute toward upgrading, replacing or modernizing the city’s public transit infrastructure and help to maintain a state of good repair.  

The government of Canada is also contributing up to C$10.9 million (US$7.6 million) through the Zero Emission Transit Fund to support the acquisition of hydrogen fuel cell buses. The government of Canada notes purchasing 10 made-in-Canada hydrogen fuel cell electric buses is part of the city’s commitment to substantially reduce carbon emissions while ensuring residents continue to have access to reliable and affordable public transit. Part of the investment will also support the installation of the necessary hydrogen fueling equipment infrastructure at the Malton Bus Depot. The government of Canada says the city of Mississauga will be the first municipality in Ontario to demonstrate the commercial and technical viability of powering public transportation using a local green hydrogen fuel source. 

“Every Canadian deserves to live in an affordable, sustainable community near quality public transit. Today’s announcements will make a big difference, but our work here isn’t done. We will continue working with Mississauga to advance solutions for housing affordability and sustainability,” E rskine-Smith said. 

“The federal transit investments announced today are a big step forward for Mississauga and our residents. Through the Canada Public Transit Fund and Zero Emission Transit Fund, we’ll be able to upgrade our transit system over the next decade, including cleaner buses to support our climate change goals. These initiatives will help make life more affordable, make public transit more reliable and strengthen our city for everyone who calls Mississauga home,” said Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish. 

Town of Canmore 

The town of Canmore will be receiving more than $5.9 million (US$4.1 million) in funding for two projects that upgrade local transit and active transportation infrastructure. The government of Canada notes one project will construct sidewalks, bicycle paths, transit stops and pedestrian crossings along the Bow Valley Trail in Canmore, which will help pedestrians, cyclists and commuters travel more safely, maintaining a further degree of separation from vehicles and improving connectivity in the area. A second project will upgrade existing bus stops and construct new stops for both regional and local transit systems throughout Canmore. The government of Canada says it will similarly perform upgrades to sidewalks and pathway connections, facilitating access to transit options for users. 

According to the government of Canada, the projects will support the town’s goals to increase transit ridership by 20 percent annually and for 40 percent of trips to be taken by foot, bicycle or bus on a typical summer day by 2030.    

“We are extremely grateful for the support from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, which is helping us enhance transportation options in Canmore. Over the past decade, we’ve been transforming our network to make walking, biking and taking transit safer and more convenient. The projects supported by this funding further our bold vision for a safe, sustainable and accessible transportation system that benefits everyone in our community,” said Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert.  

The government of Canada is investing C$1.9 million (US$1.3 million) through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The government of Alberta is investing C$2.9 million (US$2 million) and the town of Canmore is contributing C$1.2 million (US$832,644). 

“Alberta’s government is proud to support this project that will improve transit access in Canmore. These projects will enhance connectivity for Canmore residents and are a great example of the success we can achieve when all levels of government work together on shared priorities," said Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver.