Public Works Committee reinforces support for light rail transit planning

HAMILTON, ON – October 20, 2008 – At a meeting this morning, Hamilton’s Public Works Committee reinforced its support for the City’s ambitious plans to implement rapid transit in Hamilton – with a specific focus on light rail. Councillors voted unanimously on staff’s recommendation to continue moving forward with light rail transit planning, approving the following motions: • Endorse both the A-line and B-line as light rail rapid transit projects in Hamilton; • Request Metrolinx for the required capital funding for the functional design, detail design and construction of the B-line within their five-year capital budget; • Request Metrolinx for the funding for the continued planning and design for the A-line in conjunction with the design and construction of the B-line as part of the five-year capital budget. “As I have said before, I believe that Light Rail will be transformational to Hamilton’s future,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “I would like to commend my colleagues for helping move this process to the next stage.” Public Works Committee Chair, Councillor Russ Powers, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments. “Introduction of light rail transit to Hamilton will provide a catalyst for urban revival and go a long way to connecting all corners and borders of our City. If Metrolinx is prepared to provide adequate capital funding then we must seize the opportunity and make the future now.” The report will now go before Council on Wednesday, October 29th for approval. In the meantime, staff are continuing their aggressive public consultation program and will move forward with the undertaking of associated plans and studies. Staff will also continue to work collaboratively with Metrolinx to determine availability of funding for rapid transit projects in Hamilton and prepare for Metrolinx’s required Business Case Analysis process. “Hamilton is ready to implement light rail transit,” said Jill Stephen, Manager of Strategic Planning. “We have completed two studies that reinforce that light rail transit is feasible in Hamilton, we have received tremendous support from the Hamilton community and the initiative coincides with both City and Province policies and plans.”