Cycle Toronto, the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) and Walk Toronto applaud the Federal Government for its announcement last week that Toronto is eligible for up to $840 million for sustainable transportation infrastructure, including funds for cycling and walking as well as public transit. 

 The money is set aside in the Federal Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) that will provide up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, with the City providing matching funds.

“This is a major step forward for active transportation and public transit in Toronto,” said Dr. Franz Hartmann, Executive Director of the Toronto Environmental Alliance. “The existing transit system needs lots of TLC and this money will go a long way towards repairing, renewing and modernizing transit infrastructure in Toronto. It’s nice to finally see money set aside that will benefit all TTC riders, who are helping reduce pollution and congestion every day.”

"The federal government's commitment of support for pedestrian safety projects as part federal infrastructure funding is a welcome new development that recognizes the crucial role of walking in a robust transportation network,” said Dylan Reid from Walk Toronto. “We hope this commitment is a first step towards meeting the long overdue and substantial investments required from all levels of government to create truly transformative change for everyone who travels on foot in Toronto."

"The Federal Government's contribution to funding cycling infrastructure in Toronto with projects like the West Toronto Railpath extension, the East Don Trail and Eglinton Connects over the next 2 years will have transformative impacts encouraging more people to ride more often,” said Jared Kolb, Executive Director of Cycle Toronto. “We look forward to the continued roll out of funding during Phase 2 of infrastructure spending."

In February 2016, the three organizations called on the The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, to include federal funding for cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in the government’s infrastructure plans. The organizations also sent a letter to Mayor Tory asking him to include funding for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the city’s list of priorities for federal infrastructure funding.