By Canadian Press

Future of transit at stake, big-city mayors say in plea for federal funds

Jan 26, 2022 | 9:44 AM

OTTAWA — Canada’s big-city mayors are calling for the federal government’s help to make up huge shortfalls in transit revenue that threaten to derail the nation’s transit systems.

The Big City Mayors’ Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities released a statement Wednesday asking the Liberals to cover transit shortfalls for the year, or else risk major service reductions, postponed construction on new projects, and property tax hikes.

The pandemic has wrought havoc on city’s transit revenues, with many riders instead working from home and avoiding tight, crowded spaces. 

The federal government has given extra funds to provinces throughout the pandemic, and provinces have passed some of that cash on to cities to keep their transit systems running.

This time, though, the mayors say the need is more urgent as massive transit shortfalls are projected for the third year in a row. 

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Dominic LeBlanc, minister of intergovernmental affairs, infrastructure and communities, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 26, 2022.

Laura Osman, The Canadian Press