Tories say LRT funding remains

The province says it remains committed to funding Hamilton’s LRT — or other infrastructure, if council switches gears — despite suggestions a light rail transit project in Mississauga is in jeopardy.

The NDP transit critic, MPP Jessica Bell, scolded the deficit-plagued Progressive Conservative government in question period for not giving a clear answer on whether it would cancel projects like the $1.4-billion Hurontario LRT. The new Tory government is slated to give its first fall economic statement this week.

In an interview, Bell said she met with Ministry of Transportation staff to ask about that project as well as Hamilton’s $1-billion LRT. “They wouldn’t give me a straight answer,” she said.

The former Liberal government promised 100 per cent capital funding for LRT projects in Mississauga and Hamilton in 2015. Metrolinx has since spent $105 million on Hamilton’s 14-kilometre project.

The Ministry of Transportation restated its funding support for a Hamilton LRT or infrastructure project by email.

“As for Hamilton, our position has not changed,” said spokesperson Justine Lewkowicz, pointing to an October statement that the Tories “will be there with funding for transit or infrastructure, whether it is for the $1-billion LRT project or other projects that Hamilton council wants.”

By contrast, on the Hurontario line, she said the government must “eliminate the inefficiencies of the previous Liberal government and make sure we invest in efficient and effective transit projects that achieve the best value for our customer — the Ontario taxpayer. Our decisions will be based on what is best for the people of the GTHA, including Peel Region.”