M.P. Nater Congratulates Municipalities on Transit Funding

For Immediate Release

Perth County — John Nater, Member of Parliament for Perth—Wellington is congratulating the Municipality of West Perth and the Town of St. Marys on the federal funding they will receive to improve transit infrastructure.

Through the Canada-Ontario Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) agreement, the Municipality of West Perth will receive $28,304 to replace an accessible van and $13,799 for improvements to their Specialized Transit Depot. The Town of St. Marys will receive $67,500 to make sidewalks more accessible.

“The Federal Government has a responsibility to provide municipalities with funding for local infrastructure,” said M.P. Nater upon receiving notice of the awarded funds. “Our local Governments do not have the means to pay for these vital projects themselves. Since being elected as the Member of Parliament for Perth—Wellington, fighting for fair access to federal infrastructure dollars has been among my top priorities. It is good to see Perth—Wellington receive some money from this fund after being left off of the previous recipients list last summer.”

In response to the funding announcement, West Perth Mayor McKenzie said, “the PTIF grant allows the Municipality of West Perth to replace their mobility van earlier than anticipated, to renovate the trail approaches to improve accessibility, and to improve our linkages with the Mobility Bus Depot.”

“On behalf of the Town of St. Marys and Council, I would like to thank the federal government for its investment in our local infrastructure,” said Mayor Strathdee. “This funding will help us move forward in making St. Marys an accessible and inclusive community for individuals of all abilities.”

However, today’s funding announcement is not entirely good news. Of the $202 million in spending announced today from the $1.48 billion fund, only a small portion was awarded to towns and rural municipalities. “Although this funding is welcome news, I encourage the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to ensure other small municipalities have access to federal infrastructure funding. There remains considerable need for infrastructure across Perth—Wellington, including more accessible transportation options across the riding and improved train services in Stratford and St. Marys,” concluded Nater.

-30-

Media Contact
Matthew Rae
Office of John Nater, M.P.
John.nater@parl.gc.ca