Province protecting jobs and driving economic growth in North Grenville with new fixed-route service to Ottawa
KEMPTVILLE — As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is investing nearly $15 million to help support safe, reliable transit services in rural communities, including more than $700,000 in the Municipality of North Grenville. The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) and will help drive economic growth and connect more people to jobs and housing.
Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, made the announcement this morning with North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford and officials from the municipality.
“As an MPP representing rural and small communities, I know that reliable, safe transportation is a lifeline for our residents. Whether it’s getting to work, school, medical appointments, or staying connected to their communities, local transit is a vital part of our quality of life,” said MPP Clark. “I have been a strong advocate for enhanced transportation services and I’m proud our government is making these critical investments locally like this one we’re celebrating in North Grenville.”
North Grenville will receive $719,000 in OTIF funding which will support a new fixed-route service between North Grenville and Ottawa and expand the existing on-demand service within North Grenville.
“On behalf of the Municipality of North Grenville, thank you to Minister Sarkaria and MPP Steve Clark for this important investment in our community’s transit future. As one of Eastern Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities, we know expanding affordable and accessible transportation options both within the community – and between North Grenville and other major centres – is key,” said Mayor Peckford. “This funding will enable North Grenville to increase the capacity of our local service while also providing an important linkage with the City of Ottawa’s new LRT system.”
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is ensuring all Ontarians, including those in rural communities, have access to reliable transportation to get them where they need to go, when they need to get there,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “As part of our plan to protect Ontario, we’re investing in local transit services that connect people with good-paying jobs, housing and other opportunities, while boosting our economy at a time when it matters most.”
OTIF helps municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations start up or expand transit services in unserved or underserved parts of the province, particularly in rural communities. The budget for OTIF is $5 million a year starting in 2025-26. Successful applicants receive funding of up to 50 per cent of project costs for up to five years for projects that encourage integrated, coordinated and sustainable transit services.
“Whether it’s small businesses attracting customers and employees, students getting to school or families visiting loved ones, our government’s investment in regional transit is helping rural communities remain vibrant and healthy places to live, work and do business,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
QUICK FACTS
- OTIF funding will expand access to transit services for almost 1.5 million people.
- Connecting communities underserved by passenger transportation services is one of the actions in the province’s regional transportation plans for southwestern Ontario and eastern Ontario.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Ontario Investing in Transportation for Rural Communities | Ontario Newsroom
Planning transportation for Southwestern Ontario
Planning transportation for Eastern Ontario
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