Government of Canada to invest C$55.5 million in transit projects

The government of Canada is investing C$55.5 million (US$38.4 million) in funding to the Halifax Regional Municipality, the town of Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, and the town of Blind River, Ontario, for transit-related projects. 

Halifax Regional Municipality 

The Halifax Regional Municipality will be receiving C$55 million (US$38 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. 

“The federal government is committed to building high-quality and affordable public transit in cities and municipalities across Canada. This new long-term funding will improve transit in the Halifax Regional Municipality, making it easier for residents to get around without a car, which both lowers our carbon footprint and makes life more affordable,” said Member of Parliament for Halifax West Lena Metlege Diab. 

“Public transit is the backbone of a thriving, sustainable and inclusive city. This long-term, predictable investment in Halifax’s transit system will improve service for residents and support the creation of more transit-oriented communities across the municipality, allowing us to modernize our transit infrastructure to meet the growing needs of our region,” said Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Andy Fillmore. 

Town of Port Hawkesbury 

The government of Canada will be investing C$340,080 (US$235,257) through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) to purchase two 16-passenger buses to expand Strait Area Transit’s fleet, allowing them to transport larger groups. The government of Nova Scotia will be investing C$85,020 (US$58,814). The funding is contingent on the signature of a contribution agreement. 

“This project coupled with existing and recently installed and planned active transportation facilities will transform the way residents and visitors in the town of Port Hawkesbury move throughout our community and drastically improve accessibility and safety for our users. The town is very pleased to have the opportunity to join with our government partners in participating in this program,” said Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton. 

“Rural transportation is an essential service for many of our residents within the Strait Area. With investments from the Rural Transit Solutions Fund and the Accessible Transportation Assistance Program, Strait Area Transit will be able to expand our fleet with the addition of two new buses. This expansion will allow us the ability to transport larger groups of transit users and continue providing inclusive, safe, reliable, accessible, environmentally friendly and professionally delivered transit services to the residents of the Strait Area,” said Strait Area Transit Co-operative General Manager Nichole Briand. 

Town of Blind River 

The government of Canada will be investing C$160,000 (US$110,732) through the RTSF to purchase a new bus. The town of Blind River is contributing C$40,000 (US$27,680). 

The government of Canada says the investment will provide consistent and dependable transportation for those without access to private transit, offering greater independence and convenience.  

“Our government believes in public transit. So many people depend on quality transit to get to where they need to go on time, and this funding will make a difference for transit users in Blind River,” said Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. 

“The town of Blind River is incredibly grateful for the government of Canada supporting our new accessible bus. Our council is in full support of initiatives that ensure residents can access grocery, medical and social appointments safely. Thanks to this generous funding, Blind River’s Handi-Transit will continue to provide an affordable and reliable service to those who need it most. We hope our drivers will be equally as excited this fall when our new built-to-order bus arrives,” said Blind River Mayor Sally Hagman.