April 3, 2024
Photo: Kade McGregor
It seems Burlington City Council will have the final say on whether the city can access a multi-billion-dollar federal fund to support local transit systems.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in Halifax Apr. 2 that new federal funding for public transit will be available only to provinces or cities that agree on measures to permit more housing.
In order to have access to the federal funds, provinces and municipalities will have to agree to “action that will directly unlock housing supply.” This includes:
• an end to all mandatory minimum parking requirements for apartment buildings or condos built within 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line,
• permission to build high-density housing near high-frequency transit lines or post-secondary schools, and
• completion of a “Housing Needs Assessment” for cities of more than 30,000 people.
In February, the federal government announced $3 billion per year for “permanent funding” of local transit systems starting in 2026. Details of how the money can be spent will be worked out between the feds and stakeholders over the next year. Transit advocacy groups like BFAST and the national Keep Transit Moving Coalition have been calling for federal help with operational funding, as well as equipment and infrastructure.
“BFAST has also promoted a loosening of regulations that require a certain number of parking spots per apartment or condo unit. Ditching these regulations will result in more housing and improve transit service for everyone.”
Ontario’s provincial government rejected the federal plan within hours of its announcement. But the feds plan to negotiate directly with local governments if the province won’t play ball.
It’s sure to be a topic for discussion at the upcoming BFAST Transit Users’ Forum on May 5. A number of elected officials from local, regional and federal governments have confirmed their attendance.