Plans to put more electric transit buses on the streets of Mississauga and build nearly eight kilometres of bicycle paths on three main roads in the city’s north end are that much closer to reality now that the provincial and federal governments have opened their wallets.

When the two major infrastructure projects are completed, Mississauga residents “can expect a safer and more reliable public transit system,” the provincial government said in a news release on Tuesday announcing more than $14.3 million in joint funding from the province and Ottawa in addition to the City of Mississauga.

Broken down, the federal government is chipping in with $5.75 million, the province with $4.8 million and the city with $3.8 million to complete the two huge projects:

Upgrades to bus storage and maintenance garages so they can also house battery electric buses as Mississauga’s transit system, MiWay, transitions its fleet to zero-emission, electric vehicles. The switchover to EVs is part of the city’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
A plan and preliminary design for nearly eight kilometres of bicycle paths on Aquitaine Avenue, Argentia Road and Millcreek Drive in the Meadowvale area of the city. This initiative contributes to the implementation of Mississauga’s Cycling Master Plan and improves connectivity to Meadowvale and Lisgar GO stations. “On completion, this project will help make the city more bike friendly and safer for everyone,” the province said.

As it relates to the electric bus plan, the money will, more specifically, pay to “design and implement modifications to three bus storage and maintenance facilities,” the province said, adding “it will also add charging stations and improve their electrical utilities. Funding for this project will help Mississauga meet its climate commitments, while ensuring transit services continue to meet local needs.”

Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said the infusion of cash shows senior levels of government “recognize the importance of continued investment in Mississauga’s transit and active transportation infrastructure.

“Upgrading our transit facilities to support zero-emissions buses moves us closer to our climate goals,” she continued. “At the same time, new planning for safer cycling routes will make it easier for residents to choose active transportation.”

Mississauga-Streetsville MP Rechie Valdez said the transportation projects will “enhance the reliability and safety of getting around Mississauga while the city continues to make progress on cutting emissions, reducing traffic congestion and increasing public transit use.”

Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria added the money will help “support the future electrification of Mississauga’s transit fleet, safer cycling routes and better connections to GO transit, ensuring residents have safe, reliable ways to get where they need to go.”

(Cover photo: City of Mississauga)


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