Local Mayors reveal their hopes for the Provincial budget

[projekktor id=’18575′]
Just a couple of days after the Federal budget is released, the province will reveal its budget. We asked mayors here in Hamilton, Burlington and Niagara Falls what they’re hoping for when the budget is revealed later this week and when it comes to “asks” transit is number one.

Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger is hoping to get a piece of the $15 billion earmarked for public transit in the greater Toronto and Hamilton area over the next 10 years, “that’s the big enchilada for the City of Hamilton for sure, that kind of strategic investment in Hamilton would be a huge plus for our economy, for our public transportation and a huge plus for our future economic growth.”

The city has asked the province for $300 million for transit improvements, on top of $800 million to cover the costs of LRT.

The Liberal government’s transit funding plan includes selling off 60% of Hydro One and other government assets but it’s also hoping for more Federal cash. “We have a need to invest in infrastructure and transit in order to make us competitive. We’re hopeful that there will be more collaboration, co-operation from the federal government to make those investments,” says Ontario Finance Minister, Charles Sousa.

Burlington Mayor Rick Golding says he isn’t looking for anything specific. Last week the province announced it’s investing in Go Transit which means commuters in Burlington will see 2 way all day electrified Go service sometime in the next 10 years.

And the big ask on Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati’s list? “We want go train service all the way to Niagara Falls. There’s a huge need for it right now we have 50 thousand people a day commuting to the Hamilton, Greater Toronto area.”

He also wants some cash for a 5 000 seat theatre in the heart of the Falls tourism district, “a theatre would bring an extra million people a year it would primarily be busy during the week and the shoulder season.”