Brampton leaders advocate for key transit projects to federal government, city says

Brampton’s top leaders are continuing to advocate for and advance key transit projects to the federal government, the city says.

On Nov. 26, the city said, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Regional Councillors Michael Palleschi and Rowena Santos and city staff were joined by Brampton members of Parliament in Ottawa to advance Brampton’s key municipal transit and infrastructure priorities to the federal government.

“The federal government’s partnership with and investment in the City helps to build a more inclusive, healthier and sustainable community for residents. The City looks to the federal government to help advance priorities and improve the quality of life for all Brampton residents,” the release said.

According to the city, Brampton is growing at three times the provincial average. Between 2001 and 2019, Brampton accounted for 70 per cent of population growth within the Region of Peel, resulting in a higher need for investment in transit.

The city added that 75 per cent of Brampton residents use public transit or know someone that does, and 87 per cent of Brampton residents believe that Brampton should have better public transit. In addition, 89 per cent of Brampton residents believe that the federal and provincial governments should fund light rail transit (LRT) in Brampton.

“Brampton is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, and the need to expand our transit systems and transit infrastructure in a green and sustainable way is a key priority,” Brown said in a statement. “This Term of Council is focused on building for the future and ensuring that we advance the priorities of the residents of our city. I appreciate the open door with our federal partners in Ottawa, and the support of our local Members of Parliament in advancing our shared priorities.”

During the 2021 federal election, the city outlined key transit and infrastructure priorities that require a “collaborative funding partnership” with the federal government. Those priorities include:

•Fully funded LRT from Main Street to Brampton GO (federal ask: $850M)

•Queen Street-Highway 7 Rapid Transit / Züm Express regional connections (federal ask: $250M)

•Cybersecure Catalyst grant approval for enhanced infrastructure (federal ask: $80M)

•Electrify third transit facility for e-Bus fleet (federal ask: $75M)

•Expanding Active Transportation Network (20-year Active Transportation plan — federal ask: $42.2M)