Question Period Note: Federal Funding for the Gatineau Tramway Project

Will the Government of Canada provide funding to the Gatineau tramway project in the National Capital region?

• Efficient public transit is vital to the functioning of communities, and it is a priority for the Government of Canada. Public transit helps to reduce traffic on roads in order to better accommodate other economic activity. It is the primary means of mobility for many Canadians, allowing them to access jobs, education, health care and social activities.

• To support ambitious public transit projects in Canada, the Government is investing $28.7 billion over 12 years. This funding will make it possible for Canadian communities to transform the way people live, move and work.

• A request for federal funding in support of the Gatineau Tramway Project planning activities has been submitted and is under review. Discussions will continue between the governments of Canada and Quebec to explore how the Government of Canada can best support this project given its unique and interprovincial nature.

• The proposed Gatineau tramway project is a rapid transit link from the west-end of Gatineau to downtown Ottawa, crossing the Ottawa River on the federally owned Portage Bridge. The proposed project responds to insufficient transit and road capacity on the Portage Bridge resulting from a growing population and desire to support Gatineau’s climate change and mobility goals.

• On August 13, 2021, the National Capital Commission (NCC) recommended a surface tramway alignment into Ottawa along Wellington Street over the alternative tunnel option. The NCC presented its recommendation based on factors including lower costs, potential to ensure security and improve the Parliamentary Precinct, as well as connection to a potential future interprovincial loop.

• The NCC’s August 13, 2021 news release included a quote from your predecessor stating that the Government of Canada is in full support of the Gatineau tramway and is pleased with the NCC’s recommendation for a surface tramway design to link the west end of Gatineau to downtown Ottawa, allowing the federal government to continue working with the Government of Quebec and City of Gatineau to advance this important project.

• The publicly available project cost estimates are approximately $3 billion for the surface option, while the tunnel option is estimated between $3.5 billion and $3.9 billion. The project is currently in planning stage.

• Under the $7.5 billion Integrated Bilateral Agreement that was signed with the Government of Quebec in June 2018, the Gatineau tramway project proponent, the Société de transport de l’Outaouais, has an available envelope of approximately $173 million for its public transit projects. The Government of Quebec is aware that other federal funding sources exist, such as the $14.9 billion additional public transit funding announced by the Prime Minister in February 2021.

• In December 2021, the Government of Quebec submitted a request for federal funding in support of the project planning activities. The request is currently under review by Infrastructure Canada.

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