As Mayor of Brampton, Canada’s fastest-growing large city, I am privileged to
witness the transformational changes shaping our community. The approval
of Phase 2 of the LRT project by Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Transportation
Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria is a monumental advancement for our region,
linking our past to our future in a manner that honours Brampton’s unique
heritage and addresses our modern needs.
Premier Ford’s commitment to enhancing Peel region’s connectivity draws
inspiration from the visionary leadership of the late Bill Davis, a Brampton
legend and former Ontario Premier, who first brought GO Train service to our
city. Continuing this legacy, Premier Ford has extended robust transit
solutions across Ontario, including significant projects in Mississauga,
Toronto, and Hamilton.
The choice of a tunnelled route for the downtown section of Brampton’s Phase
2 LRT is pivotal. By tunneling beneath Brampton’s historic downtown, we
preserve the integrity of heritage buildings and maintain the aesthetic appeal
of our narrow streetscapes. This method prevents additional surface-level
congestion, ensuring traffic flow and pedestrian safety in our bustling city
centre, and mitigates environmental impacts, maintaining the livability of our
urban core. This was the same solution which has worked for many other
higher order transit lines in the GTHA. This includes underground sections for
the Eglinton Crosstown, the Ontario Line, at both ends of the Finch West LRT,
and a significant grade separation in the centre of the LRT line in Hamilton.
Even the Port Credit Station at the south end of the Hazel McCallion line is
underground.
Furthermore, tunneling allows for more flexible urban planning. It frees up the
Main Street corridor for housing and employment density which is critical in a
growing City. It also preserves the ability for further LRT extensions down the
road. By moving transit underground for the final portion of the LRT Phase 2,
we enhance overall safety and streamline city logistics without the
complications of surface-level crossing and the existing underground
channels. Importantly, this phase of the LRT also paves the way for an
additional 30,000 housing units, a significant step in addressing our city’s
housing needs in the midst of a national housing crisis.
It was Bill Davis who wisely pointed out back in 2015 that a surface alignment
would not serve Brampton’s best interests. His foresight has been invaluable,
steering us away from potential pitfalls reminiscent of earlier rushed projects
like the Eglinton Crosstown. This time, with comprehensive planning and
community consultation, the government has ensured that the LRT’s design
aligns with Brampton’s long-term urban strategy.
The collaboration between the provincial government and Brampton’s
leadership underlines a shared commitment to not just discussing public
transit improvements but actively realizing them. This partnership is
highlighted by the recent tour I took of Alstom Canada in Brampton, where
innovative, green transportation solutions are being developed. Alstom’s
contribution extends beyond Brampton as they are also building trains for the
Finch West and Ottawa LRT projects. With 170 local employees, Alstom is
instrumental in bolstering our economy and reinforcing our status as a hub of
technological innovation.
This transformative project, supported ardently by Premier Ford and Minister
Sarkaria, ensures that Brampton is not only a participant but a leader in
modern, sustainable urban development. Their dedication to a tunnelled
approach showcases a commitment to quality and foresight over mere
expediency.
As we look forward to the implementation of this project, we are reminded of
the power of visionary leadership and strategic collaboration. Phase 2 of the
LRT is a pillar of Brampton’s future growth, community connectivity, and a
tribute to those who see the potential for a greater, more connected Ontario.
This project highlights our collective resolve to build a safer, more prosperous
Brampton, and demonstrates the enduring benefits of thoughtful, wellplanned urban transit solutions. Together, with sustained support from our
provincial leaders, we can look forward to a city that is not only growing but
thriving in its new era.
