New Federal−Provincial Funding Agreement Makes Important Public Transit Projects Possible in Waterloo Region

August 01, 2025

Breaking News

The governments of Canada and Ontario are making investments that will help create jobs and grow the middle class while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.

The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and MPP Daiene Vernile, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, today announced that six transit infrastructure projects will be getting under way in the Waterloo Region thanks to the signing of an agreement with the Province of Ontario that brings a new federal infrastructure funding program into effect: the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF).

The PTIF will make over $2.97 billion in combined funding available to Ontario communities for public transit projects that will help ensure residents across the province get to work on time and back home safely at the end of a long day.

The Waterloo projects include the replacement of 48 conventional transit buses with newer vehicles; the development of new iXpress stations; and the design and construction of transit passenger facilities at the University of Waterloo and other locations. Equipped with the latest emissions-reducing technology, the new buses will help reduce pollution while providing more comfortable commutes. The new facilities and stations will also significantly contribute to improving the overall experience of transit users across the city.

These are among 168 projects approved for funding so far under the new program in Ontario.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada recognizes that collaborating with provinces and cities is essential to supporting infrastructure projects that help the middle class grow and prosper. Getting people where they need to go safely, quickly and comfortably is fundamental to economic growth and building an inclusive society. I’m excited to see how this funding will benefit Waterloo’s transit users for years to come.”

--The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo and Minister of Small Business and Tourism on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“We know that municipalities want and need us to provide better access to transit. That is why our government worked to develop the Federal Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. As we move toward our goals to be a greener Ontario, we will expand and improve our province’s growing transit infrastructure to help boost our economy.”

--Daiene Vernile, MPP, Kitchener Centre

“Regional Council sees transit as essential to intensification and rural land preservation, increased transportation choice, economic development, access to work, reduced costly road expenditures, and improving public health. This initial funding will assist in building a transit system that makes it easier and more convenient for people to choose transit. We look forward to working with our partners in approving additional projects within the Region’s allocation of approximately $35 million.”

--Ken Seiling, Chair, Region of Waterloo

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List of all Ontario PTIF projects approved to date: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/pt-sp/pt-sp-on-eng.html

Quick facts

PTIF funding is part of Phase 1 of Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada’s historic $120-billion plan to support public infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years.

· Phase 1 provides more than $11.9 billion in investments to support public transit systems, green infrastructure projects, and social infrastructure projects. Details on Phase 2 of Investing in Canada will be announced over the next year.

Under the PTIF agreement, the Government of Canada has made its funding retroactive to April 1, 2016, so projects can proceed without delay to ensure a productive construction season.

Associated links

· Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/on-eng.html

· Investing in Canada: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/index-eng.html

· Public Transit Infrastructure Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php

· Have your say on infrastructure: infraconsults.caFollow Infrastructure Canada on Twitter: @INFC_eng