Hamilton LRT project still being considered, says Ford government

There’s a chance Hamilton won’t be out of luck on an LRT project after all: the Conservative provincial government has said that its task force will be considering a light rail transit system for Hamilton as they assess how best to spend $1 billion on local transportation projects.

According to the office of Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney, both transit and highway projects are under consideration, including the possibility of still developing light rail transit in the city. The task force is aiming to have a “preliminary list of transportation projects,” which may also include transit options like bus rapid transit (BRT), established for consideration by the end of February.

ON AGAIN. Hamilton LRT brought back for $1B budget funding consideration by Ford government. Transpo Minister Caroline Mulroney had abruptly cancelled funding last month, citing 5X cost increase. Metrolinx had already bought 65 properties. CBC: https://t.co/lRv3K06NtY

— Chronicle.Lance (@ChronicleLance) January 5, 2020

The recent, startling cancellation of Hamilton’s LRT project by the Ontario provincial government’s ministry of transportation was a massive blow to the city, which had already begun investing considerable resources, and hopes, into the project’s future. The cancellation came as the result of an apparent increase in the project’s estimated budget, citing an alleged climb from the original $1 billion proposal to a substantially higher $5 billion cost (though, the Tories have refused to release the third-party report and data used to justify the cancellation).

While the project was certainly a divisive one amongst Hamilton residents, many individuals and business owners saw it as an overwhelmingly positive development for the city that promised resounding, multifaceted impact on Hamilton and its infrastructure. A return for the project in Hamilton would restore the chance for the many progressive benefits the LRT initiative forecasted for the city.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation says they endeavour to have more details available in the coming weeks.

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