Peterborough, ON – MP Dean Del Mastro is pleased to announce that Budget 2008 has given the nod to providing commuter rail service between Peterborough and Toronto.
“This is awesome!” stated MP Del Mastro.“This is the single most significant federal infrastructure investment into our area since John A. MacDonald committed to the completion of the Trent Severn Waterway. It is something that I have been working on since the day I was elected and I am so proud to help bring this service to our constituents.”
The Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) is the fastest growing metropolitan area in Canada and one of the fastest in all of North America. People from other parts of Canada and the world are drawn to this area because of the enviable quality of life. Within the next 30 years, it is expected that 3.7 million more people will call this region home.
Currently, transit throughout this region is disconnected and underdeveloped. The highways are clogged as communities along this route have grown by more than 320,000 people since commuter rail service was suspended. Jobs have developed farther away from where people live and want to live, increasing commute times. Budget 2008 addresses this issue by reinstating rail service along the Toronto-Peterborough rail line.
Budget 2008 sets aside up to $500 million in 2007-08 to be paid into a third-party trust, allocated on a provincial-territorial per capita basis, for public transit infrastructure. Funding will be paid into the trust, once legislation has been passed, for only those beneficiaries that have made public commitments before March 31, 2008 to undertake investments in public transit. The beneficiaries of the trust will have the flexibility to draw down the funding as they require over the next two years. They are encouraged to report publicly on the expenditures financed and outcomes achieved. The trust will be used for specific projects of capital infrastructure such as rapid transit, rail, transit buses and high occupancy vehicle and bicycle lanes.
In his Rail Report released last fall, MP Del Mastro examined the history, the demands, the costs and the benefits of providing rail service including providing a preferred commuter rail transit option. After months of research, meetings and hard work the dream has become a reality.
As stated in the Budget 2008 speech by The Honourable James Flaherty – Minister of Finance.“Public transit is one of the keys to achieving a cleaner and healthier environment. That's why our Government has been making significant investments to provide alternative transportation options. In order to entice people out of their cars and onto public transit, we have provided the re-establishment of the rail link between the City of Peterborough and Toronto’s Union Station following the existing right of way.”
“This is a proud day for me and an exciting day for the constituents of the Peterborough Riding.” stated MP Del Mastro.“Putting Peterborough and our riding on the map – bringing success and hope for a bright future for our families, our tourism and our business sector.”
To Read the Commuter Rail Report, click here (pdf)
For more information on Budget 2008, click here
