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Funding announced for public transit, active transportation, road and bridge infrastructure

'Video cameras and automatic vehicle location systems will be installed on specialized buses to provide a safer and more efficient transit system'
20200828 Screenshot fedeli, rota, mcdonald, Terry Sheehan,
Clockwise, MPP Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, MP Anthony Rota, MP Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development, Al McDonald, Mayor of North Bay.

Improvements to the North Bay Transit terminal, new bicycle storage areas at key cycling destinations, and bicycle racks on buses will make it easy for riders to transition to public transit after funding was announced at a joint virtual news conference this morning.

MPP Vic Fedeli, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, MP Anthony Rota, MP Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Mayor Al McDonald teamed up to make a $31m announcement for 15 area projects

Improvements to para-transit buses, new bus shelters with solar-powered lighting, and new digital bus stop signs, will improve safety and accessibility.

The implementation of "transit-on-demand" will allow North Bay's transit service to shift from a fixed-route schedule to a responsive on-demand scheduling system during evening and Sunday service.

"We can be a lot more efficient and provide service to our customers," said McDonald.

Video cameras and automatic vehicle location systems will be installed on specialized buses to provide a safer and more efficient transit system.

Road and bridge infrastructure also played a key role in the announcement.

McKeown Ave. will be upgraded.

See: McKeown Ave. to be four laned

Construction of more than four kilometres of new sidewalk along established transit routes will include tactile walking plates, curbs and gutters, and road restoration with new storm sewers. These improvements will increase the safety and accessibility of pedestrians to the transit system.

"People want to walk where it is safe," McDonald told reporters. "Four kilometres of sidewalk, that's massive." 

In Mattawa, improvements to Dorion Road will improve winter driving conditions and provide better drainage.

In Chisholm, upgrades to Alderdale Road will improve safety for emergency vehicles and commuters.

For residents of Mattawan, the replacement of Murphy Road Bridge will make the bridge more accessible for school buses and other vehicles.

Cyclists in Powassan will benefit from better riding conditions with upgrades to Maple Hill Road. 

"All of this together will get our friends and our family where they need to go more reliably and more safely and on time," added Fedeli.

The federal government is spending more than $13 million in these projects. Ontario is providing over $8.9 million, while the municipalities of North Bay, Chisholm, Mattawa, Mattawan and Powassan are contributing more than $8.7 million.

See: Canada and Ontario invest in public transit, active transportation and road infrastructure for North Bay area residents

“These long-awaited improvements to transit infrastructure in North Bay and other communities in Nipissing will improve safety and accessibility for public transit users, cyclists, and motorists alike," added Fedeli. "Commuters in northern Ontario often face unique challenges, and the modernization of our public transit system will mean more efficient and faster travel experiences. The success of these new projects are a testament to what can be accomplished when all levels of government work together.”


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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