January 11, 2017
VAUGHAN, January 11, 2017 – Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament for Vaughan-Woodbridge on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Steven Del Duca Ontario Minister of Transportation and MPP for Vaughan; Wayne Emmerson, Chairman and CEO of York Region, and the Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of the City of Vaughan, marked the start of construction of a new inter-regional transit terminal in the City of Vaughan.
The new inter-regional terminal will have nine bus bays, and a customer and pedestrian connection to Viva Bus Rapid Transit a short walk away on Highway 7, and to the TTC subway through an underground pathway.
The terminal will be located off Millway Avenue north of Highway 7, serving as a transit hub, connecting customers to destinations in York Region and neighbouring regions. Construction is underway, with the opening of the bus terminal for service expected by the end of 2017.
“The Government of Canada enjoys a solid partnership with all orders of government in support of infrastructure projects that help the middle class grow and prosper,” said MP Sorbara. “The enhanced connectivity to public transit provided by this new bus terminal will allow more of our neighbours and friends to be active participants in our community, both socially and economically – making the City of Vaughan and York Region a better place to live, learn and work.”
“This is great news for commuters in York Region,” said Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca. “The significant investments Ontario is making in public transit in York Region are providing faster and more efficient travel options for commuters needing to get to school, work and their appointments quickly.”
“Major infrastructure projects like this new transit terminal would not be possible without the participation of all levels of government. It requires determination, a substantial financial commitment and a common vision,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “We all know that by coming together and taking this approach we will help improve the environment, increase our productivity and enhance our excellent quality of life here in York Region.”
“The new bus terminal is an important part of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre transportation hub — the final stop for the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension,” said Toronto City Councillor Josh Colle [Ward 15 Eglinton-Lawrence] and TTC Chair. “This inter-regional transit connection will benefit thousands of commuters, residents, and businesses from Toronto, York Region and beyond.”
The total cost for the new inter-regional terminal is approximately $32.1 million, of which, $18.1 million is being funded through the Toronto-York-Spadina Subway Extension [TYSSE] project, $13.5 million from The Regional Municipality of York, and $0.5 million from SmartREIT for a pedestrian tunnel connection to the bus terminal.
The costs for the entire TYSSE project are funded in partnership with the Government of Canada committing up to $697 million, the Province of Ontario contributing $870 million through the Move Ontario Trust, the City of Toronto contributing $907 million, and The Regional Municipality of York contributing $606 million.
The SmartCentres Place Bus Terminal is part of a rapid transit capital program being delivered in York Region, which includes bus rapid transit, subways, facilities and terminals and new vehicles to serve those travelling throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation [YRRTC] is responsible for the planning, design and construction of the full vivaNext rapid transit network and related infrastructure to deliver on the transit priorities set out in the York Region Transportation Master Plan. YRRTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary and share capital corporation of The Regional Municipality of York. The vivaNext rapid transit network is a key component of the vision outlined by Ontario’s Places to Grow Act, which aims to manage growth in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way that enriches communities.
Illustration of SmartCentres Place Bus Terminal
Contact:
Sarah Harris
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
905-886-6767
sarah.harris@york.ca
Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-219-0149
brook.simpson@canada.ca
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca
Andrea Ernesaks
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Minister’s Office
andrea.ernesaks@ontario.ca
Bob Nichols
Communications
Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Toronto
416-327-1158