Looking back to the beginning of 2024, one of the highlights for me has to be the announcement from the Provincial government about the Hazel McCallion LRT extension into Brampton’s Main Street. I was 20 years old in 2015 when the community gathered at the Rose Theatre to discuss and debate the merits of an LRT passing through downtown Brampton. I heard impassioned delegations from residents who wanted to see the downtown move past its prosaic built form.
The provincial government at the time had pledged to fund the full $1.6 billion cost of what is now called Hazel McCallion LRT, but only if council approved the proposed route which would include Brampton’s Main Street. Unfortunately, that provincial money would go to an entirely different city after council rejected the funding, and the LRT would proceed with construction that would instead terminate at Steeles and Hurontario. Brampton would still technically receive part of Mississauga’s LRT, but it would exclude downtown.
The downtown portion at the time cost between $200 million and $300 million. Today, the surface design for the downtown route will cost at least $933 million, more than three times more expensive than it was in 2015. By waiting nine years, we’ve wasted both time and money. Meanwhile, while costs have soared, the case for public transit has become even greater than it was nine years ago.
Brampton Transit ridership surpassed 40 million passengers in 2023, with monthly averages of 3.4 million. These aren’t just pre-COVID recovery numbers—they’re nearly double what we saw in previous years, cementing Brampton’s status as a transit-oriented city. On Hurontario alone, daily ridership ranges from 20,000 to 25,000, further emphasizing the pressing demand for better transit options.
In 2021, 27% of Brampton’s workforce commuted to Mississauga for their jobs and 48.6% had a commute of 30 minutes or more. This is a clear signal that enhancing inter-regional connectivity is essential. The LRT extension would reduce congestion, promote sustainable transit, and improve the daily lives of residents.
Hope for the project has been restored with the province in favour of the LRT for downtown Brampton, but one challenge still remains: funding. The price tag ($933 million for surface or $2.8 billion for tunnel) now requires the federal government, with the full power of the public purse, to step in with cost sharing.
I was encouraged to see in Budget 2024 the Canada Public Transit Fund was announced to step in for funding higher-order transit in municipalities, but was dismayed to see that funds wouldn’t be made available until after 2026. What was the purpose of this timeline given there is an election scheduled in 2025? If the Liberals lose the election, is there a possibility that Pollievre’s Conservatives will scrap this fund due to fiscal conservativism and a desire to reverse Trudeau-era decisions? Would this decision delay the project even further or, worse yet, doom the downtown Brampton LRT to be a “what if”?
Breaking ground on the LRT extension as quickly as possible is essential. If the current government doesn’t do it, there is no guarantee that a new government will oblige Provincial commitments. This project represents much more than a transportation upgrade; it is a transformative opportunity for downtown Brampton’s future. With Riverwalk funding promising high-density development downtown, the LRT is more important than ever. Nine years is far too long to wait.
If I were giving advice to the Liberal Party of Canada, I would encourage them to champion Brampton’s LRT as a strategy to improve the government’s standing with Brampton voters, something that the Trudeau Liberals desperately need as former Liberal strongholds go blue. Delivering tangible results where it counts can make the world of a difference in Brampton’s swing ridings. 338Canada currently projects either CPC wins or CPC/LPC toss-ups in every single Brampton riding. The government cannot afford to lose Brampton.
2025 will mark a decade since the original downtown Brampton LRT proposal was rejected. In 2024, I am grateful to have a council that supports this initiative. I am also grateful that City staff have worked tirelessly for the last ten years to revive this project. I am also grateful that Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria and the Ontario government have decided the LRT is worth pursuing.
I now ask you to help the Brampton Board of Trade urge our federal representatives to get a funding commitment for the LRT as soon as possible. The longer we wait, the more expensive it will be.
Share the hashtag #DelaysCostBrampton so that we can capture the sentiment from the community about our need for better transit. Below is also a template along with email addresses you can use to contact your federal representative. You can find your riding here if you don’t know. The Brampton Board of Trade has sent a similar letter.
| Honorific Title | First Name | Last Name | Constituency | Email address | ||
| Shafqat | Ali | Brampton Centre | shafqat.ali@parl.gc.ca | |||
| Hon. | Kamal | Khera | Brampton West | kamal.khera@parl.gc.ca | ||
| Hon. | Ruby | Sahota | Brampton North | ruby.sahota@parl.gc.ca | ||
| Maninder | Sidhu | Brampton East | Maninder.Sidhu@parl.gc.ca | |||
| Sonia | Sidhu | Brampton South | sonia.sidhu@parl.gc.ca |
Subject: Urgent Request: Federal Funding for Brampton’s Main Street LRT
Dear [Insert Member of Parliament],
I am writing to you as a resident of Brampton to urge your support in securing immediate federal funding for the Main Street LRT extension project. This transformative initiative is essential for our city’s future, yet it currently lacks the financial backing needed to move forward promptly.
While I commend the federal government for announcing the $30 billion Canada Public Transit Fund, I am concerned that the planned disbursement of these funds after 2026 delays progress on this critical project. Brampton cannot afford to wait. I ask that funding for the LRT extension be prioritized and made available immediately to ensure this project begins as soon as possible.
This extension is not just about improving transportation; it is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced mobility. Brampton Transit ridership has surged to over 40 million passengers annually, with monthly ridership of 3.4 million—nearly double pre-pandemic levels. Hurontario Street, the proposed route for the LRT extension, serves 20,000–25,000 riders daily, underscoring the high demand for improved transit infrastructure. Additionally, with 27% of employed Brampton residents commuting to Mississauga, the extension will provide a much-needed sustainable and efficient commuting option.
I believe this project aligns with federal priorities for sustainable development, economic growth, and improved urban mobility. It will significantly enhance the quality of life for Brampton residents while addressing urgent challenges such as congestion and environmental sustainability.
I respectfully request your advocacy to ensure that federal funding for this project is allocated without delay. By prioritizing this project, the government can demonstrate its commitment to addressing the pressing infrastructure needs of Brampton and its residents.
Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to seeing your leadership in championing this critical project for our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
