Federal and Quebec governments reach agreement in principle to fund Gatineau tram project: Mayor
The federal and Quebec governments have come to an agreement in principle to provide infrastructure funding in Gatineau that could help advance the future tram project, mayor France Bélisle says.
Bélisle made the announcement this week, telling reporters at a press conference Wednesday the funding is coming from a previously announced program between the federal government and the province.
"There is an agreement in principle between Quebec and the federal government for residual envelopes, to support certain transportation projects, including the one in Gatineau," she said, explaining that there wasn't a formal announcement in the federal budget Tuesday. "We were able to get indications from the offices of ministers (Jonatan) Julien and (Dominic) LeBlanc about this agreement."
The federal and Quebec governments have an integrated bilateral agreement for investing in the Canada Infrastructure Program that includes funding for public transit projects in Quebec. According to a federal government page, the federal government is contributing $5 billion over 10 years between 2018 and 2028 to transit services in Quebec, based on their ridership levels. The Société de Transport de l'Outaouais (STO) ranks fifth in the province for ridership.
The funding total for Gatineau has yet to be announced, but Bélisle says whatever funding is provided could help cover the cost of studies into the major public transit project. Bélisle says she expects a formal announcement in about three weeks. CTV News has reached out to federal and provincial infrastructure ministries for more information.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Infrastructure Canada said the agreement in principle was reached Monday.
"On March 27, 2023, the Government of Canada announced an agreement-in-principle with the Government of Quebec that will see $2.7 billion in Quebec’s remaining federal infrastructure funding envelope allocated to good projects across the province, including major public transit projects," the statement said. "The Government of Canada supports the Gatineau Tramway and continues working with the Government of Quebec and the City of Gatineau to advance the project."
No detail about Gatineau's share of the $2.7 billion was announced. Infrastructure Canada says more information will be shared over the coming weeks.
The multi-billion dollar tram project is currently in its planning phase, according to a timeline provided by the STO, which includes securing funding and conducting studies. Preparatory work for construction is scheduled to begin in 2026. The project is expected to be complete by 2032.
The tramway would include a line that crosses the Portage Bridge into Ottawa. It's unclear whether the connection to Ottawa will include a tunnel under Sparks Street or a tramline on Wellington Street. The National Capital Commission has endorsed running the tram on Wellington.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.