KENORA – The Ontario Government is helping 107 municipalities across the province to expand or improve their public transit systems with Ontario’s gas tax program. Multiple municipalities in the Kenora-Rainy River riding will receive funding after today’s announcement.
“Public transportation is a vital part of our northern infrastructure,” said Greg Rickford, MPP Kenora-Rainy River. “Just as in other regions of the province, modern public transportation infrastructure is an important part of everyday life for many residents and communities across Kenora-Rainy River.”
This year, the province is providing $364 million in gas tax funding to 107 municipalities providing public transit service to 144 communities across Ontario. These communities represent over 92 per cent of Ontario’s total population.
The following municipalities across Kenora-Rainy River will receive funding:
- Dryden, $26,684
- Fort Frances, $71,727
- Kenora, $150,290
- Machin, $8,684
- Sioux Lookout, $46,344
Funding for Ontario’s gas tax program is determined by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province. The program provides municipalities with two cents per litre of provincial gas tax revenues. Municipalities receiving gas tax funding must use these funds towards their public transit capital and/or operating expenditures, at their own discretion, including upgrading transit infrastructure, increasing accessibility, purchasing transit vehicles, adding more routes and extending hours of service.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- The share that each municipality receives under Ontario’s gas tax program is based on a formula of 70 percent ridership and 30 percent population. These funds serve both the needs of large and small municipal transit systems.
- Municipalities that contribute financially to public transit services are eligible for funding.
Municipalities not currently providing transit can become eligible for funding if they start up fully-accessible transit services.
