The Progressive-Conservative government under Premier Doug Ford released its first budget in its term Thursday afternoon and Ottawa is set to get a boost in several areas.
First, the government’s $1.2 billion towards LRT stage 2 that was promised last month has been included as part of the government’s mandate to improve public transit.
The project will be adding 44 km of rail and 24 new stations. Stage 2 will extend the Confederation Line east to Place d’Orléans and Trim Road, and west to both Moodie Drive and Algonquin Station. The Trillium Line will be extended south from Greenboro Station.
Second, the Ottawa Police Service will be receiving a $2 million boost to help combat gun violence in the city. That is on top of $16.4 million to provincial police and $25 million to Toronto police for the same issue.
And lastly, the province has also promised to contribute funding towards the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s Children’s Treatment Centre. On top of that the province says its committed to help the Ottawa Hospital with the expansion of the Civic campus, expected to open by 2026.
In a statement released shortly after the budget was tabled, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson praised the government’s promises of funding as well as their community housing renewal plan to help alleviate stress on the cities when it comes to affordable housing.
ʺToday’s provincial budget outlines the Province’s commitment to reducing its deficit, while maintaining key provincial programs and services,” said Watson. “Our staff will be looking at the details of today’s Budget over the coming weeks to determine any implications and opportunities for the City of Ottawa and how we can best take advantage of newly-announced programs and measures.”
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