HAMILTON – The Ontario government is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT), bringing the province one step closer to getting shovels in the ground on major construction for a key transit project that will carry 50,000 daily riders across one of Ontario’s fastest-growing cities.
“Our government is making real progress on our historic plan to build and expand transit across the Greater Golden Horseshoe,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “As one of our priority rapid transit projects, the Hamilton LRT will reduce gridlock and connect thousands of families and workers to affordable public transit, improving quality of life and growing the economy for everyone.”
The Civil Works and Utility Relocations RFO invites contractors to submit a statement of qualifications to lead the construction of most civil work, including utility relocations, roads, structures, grade separations, bridges, sidewalks and traffic control signals along the 14-kilometre alignment. The province will evaluate the submissions and announce a shortlist of candidates who will then be invited to submit proposals to complete the work.
“The federal government is committed to delivering Hamilton’s LRT and is pleased to partner with the Government of Ontario to deliver fast, reliable and sustainable transit options to communities across the province,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “As Hamilton grows, this new LRT will help residents get where they need to go.”
Once complete, the 14-kilometre Hamilton LRT will connect commuters to an expanded high-speed rail and GO network, offering service to McMaster University, City Hall, Tim Hortons Field, Eastgate Square, downtown Hamilton and other popular locations. The LRT line will offer residents fast and reliable service and connect workers to tens of thousands of well-paying jobs.
“I’m thrilled about today’s announcement. This long-anticipated news is a critical step in a historic investment in public transit for our city,” said Andrea Horwath, Mayor of Hamilton. “Today’s announcement, that the Ontario government has issued a Request for Qualifications for the City of Hamilton’s LRT, will also see the replacement of underground infrastructure such as water and wastewater with support from the province. I want to thank Premier Ford and the Ontario government for their continued support of this project, which will bring significant benefits to the residents and businesses of the City of Hamilton for many years to come.”
Quick Facts
In May 2021, the province and federal government announced an investment of up to $3.4 billion in transit infrastructure to support the construction of the Hamilton LRT.
Through this historic partnership, Ontario and Canada will each contribute up to $1.7 billion in capital funding toward building this important transit project for the City of Hamilton.
Ontario is investing nearly $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America to build new highways, roads, and public transit.
As part of the transportation plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the Ontario government is continuing to expand two-way, all-day 15-minute service on the core segments of the GO Transit rail network.
Quotes
"Our government is tackling the issues that matter to the people of Hamilton and with this latest development we are one step closer to building the Hamilton LRT. This important transit project builds on the infrastructure investments our government has made locally, to help meet the demands of our growing community, and ensure that Hamilton continues to be a key economic driver for Ontario for generations to come."
- Neil Lumsden
MPP for Hamilton East–Stoney Creek
"The release of this procurement package for the Hamilton LRT marks another milestone reached on our government’s transit expansion plan for the people of Hamilton. Our government is making the investments needed to support the expansion and improvement of public transit to ensure that people are connected to their jobs, schools, families or wherever they need to go."
- Donna Skelly
MPP for Flamborough–Glanbrook
"Releasing the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for civil and utility works demonstrates substantial progress and brings us one step closer to major construction on the Hamilton LRT. This project will be a game-changer for Hamilton, bringing better connections to local and regional transit and moving 50,000 riders daily."
- Phil Verster
President and CEO of Metrolinx
"LiUNA has been a strong champion of the proposed Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) from day one and today we are one step closer to getting shovels in the ground and making it a reality. As one of Ontario’s fastest growing cities, Hamilton requires resilient and reliable infrastructure to keep up with demand. Investing in viable transit infrastructure will continue to spur economic development and address critical infrastructure and transit needs throughout the city while creating thousands of jobs for the members of LIUNA and skilled trade workers. We look forward to continuing working with the Ontario government to finally break ground and build the Hamilton LRT."
- Joseph Mancine
lliInternational Vice President and Canadian Director, LiUNA
"Ontario's ambitious growth agenda relies on a modern, integrated transportation network. That's why the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, representing 60,000 businesses of every size, sector and community, views reliable, efficient, and sustainable transit as a top priority. We welcome this big step toward an LRT system for Hamilton. By connecting workers to opportunities and helping take cars off our roads, this project will help keep Ontario moving – and growing."
- Daniel Tisch
President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Additional Resources
Hamilton LRT
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