Del Mastro Comments On 1st Step In Commuter Rail Project

March 27, 2008

Peterborough, ON - “The Peterborough Commuter Rail Link is a top priority for the Government of Canada. This was a commitment made in Budget 2008, and we will ensure this project becomes a reality.” stated Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough Riding following a media release today from the Prime Minister’s Office that announced three new Federal-Provincial initiatives.

The Community Development Trust will provide Ontario with $358 million to support programs that improve productivity and competitiveness, technology development and training for workers and communities facing challenges in industries such as agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing, including automotive manufacturers. The Police Officers Recruitment Fund allocated to Ontario is its share of the national Fund. Over the next five years, the province will receive $156 million to improve public safety and security by putting more officers on the streets of Ontario’s cities and towns. The Public Transit Capital Trust expands on existing federal support for public transit in Ontario by providing $195 million in new funding. The province will direct the funds into its ambitious plans for expanding public transit, including its MoveOntario 2020 transit plan.

Under the Public Transit Trust agreement announced today, Ontarians will receive $195 million in new funding for Transit projects in Ontario. This funding plays an important role in easing traffic congestion in urban areas and contributing to cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions. “The first step towards making commuter rail in Peterborough a reality is referenced in today's joint release - a joint federal / provincial study to look at who is best to run the service, where and how often trains should run, whether or not a public-private partnership (P3) is a viable option for the project, and how much the project will cost. We expect this study to be completed in less than a year.” stated MP Del Mastro.

The balance of the funds for the implementation of the Peterborough Commuter Rail Link project will be aside as part of Ontario's allocation under the Building Canada Fund.

Another encouraging development of today's agreement is the acknowledgement by the Province of Ontario of the need for passenger commuter service with the immediate provision for the commencement of GO Bus service to the city.

“This service, while not a replacement for the Commuter Rail is fundamental in that it demonstrates commuter service to Peterborough is not only viable, it is also a requirement of any future Provincial transportation strategy.” stated MP Del Mastro.