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
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.