Statement by Mayor Fred Eisenberger on the Hamilton Light Rail Transit Project

HAMILTON, ON – The approval at GIC by Hamilton City Council of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the province means the project is now moving forward and underscores how transformative opportunities can come about when all levels of government come together to support a project. Today’s decision will be ratified at the next Council meeting on September 15, 2021.

The LRT project is the most studied transit project in our city’s history and will bring about a multitude of benefits for everyone in our community. As we bring our attention to post-pandemic efforts to restarting our economy, the LRT will generate thousands of jobs and will keep workers working, it will drive down greenhouse gas emissions and take measure to protect our environment, it will create opportunities for affordable housing along the transit line and it will unlock access and opportunities for local businesses and communities.

This new transit system will offer frequent and reliable service from McMaster University, through downtown Hamilton to Eastgate at Centennial Park in Stoney Creek. It is undeniable, our city is growing at a rapid pace – in the health research sector, advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, and arts and culture. While all sectors are expanding, so too, is our population. Investing in LRT will expand transit as much as it will create space and opportunities for the businesses and residents in Hamilton to thrive.

For a project of this magnitude, there have been many key contributors who helped forge the trajectory of where we landed with the MOU. I’d like to thank members of Council for their contributions leading to the improved MOU that was passed. The collaboration with the Federal and Provincial governments is a generational investment that will have lasting impacts well beyond our years. I want to express my deep gratitude to Minister Catherine McKenna and Minister Filomena Tassi, Premier Doug Ford, Minister Caroline Mulroney, Phil Verster and his Metrolinx team, Joe Mancinelli of LiUNA, and the anchor institutions in Hamilton including McMaster University, Mohawk College and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Thanks also to Janette Smith, Jason Thorne and our wonderful City staff team. From the funding partners and organizations, to those out in the community everyone came together to advocate for an investment and change that will transform Hamilton – and I want to thank you for seeing Hamilton as a place for innovation and growth.

This historic investment will help support the city’s long-term prosperity and growth, while offering a sustainable, rapid transit option to residents and those visiting Hamilton. The LRT is as much an investment in the City Hamilton as it is in our people.