Brampton wants $1.3B from feds for Hurontario LRT tunnel

The City of Brampton will be asking federal leaders for commitments to about $1.3B worth of infrastructure projects during the election campaign.

The full list of requests was unveiled at Mayor Patrick Brown’s weekly news conference, broadcast live on the city’s Facebook page.

“It’s important for the City of Brampton to highlight to federal parties what our city’s asks are,” said Brown.

“We need a partner with the City of Brampton if we want to continue to see our city move forward.”

Brown said they were successful in the previous federal election with projects like Riverwalk and electric buses being funded.

“We’ll be meeting with all political parties to see if they have Brampton’s agenda on their agenda.”

By far the biggest request from the city will be $850M to fully fund the Hurontario St. LRT and run it underground though the city’s heritage district to the Brampton GO station.

“Any modern city has a modern transit system and the Phase II of the LRT would connect it from Steeles Ave. through the downtown core.”

The preferred route is the underground option and Brown stressed that it’s been endorsed by council 11-0.

The other issues on the city’s wish list are:

• Queen St. – Hwy. 7 Rapid Transit
• Cybersecure Catalyst grant approval for enhanced infrastructure
• Electrify third transit facility for e-Bus fleet
• Expanding Active Transportation network

“With the federal infrastructure commitments, and what has been invested in Brampton historically, we believe this is a very reasonable ask.”