Belleville, ON, March 21, 2023 — Today, Jennifer O'Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and His Worship Neil Ellis, Mayor of the City of Belleville, announced a federal investment of more than $150,000 to conduct a battery electric bus feasibility study and build a fleet transition plan project for the City of Belleville.

“Zero-emission transit is vital in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reaching net-zero by 2050. This funding will lay the groundwork for the City of Belleville to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. The Government of Canada will continue to work with partners to improve the quality of life of all Canadians.”

Jennifer O'Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“Being able to provide residents with more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options is crucial. As a City, we strive to reduce the impact our services have on the environment and zero-emission public transit will advance our efforts just that much further. I would like to thank our partners at the federal level for their support and we look forward to moving ahead with this exciting project.”

His Worship Neil Ellis, Mayor of the City of Belleville

• The Government of Canada is contributing $156,467 million to this project through the Zero Emission Transit Fund. 

• The $2.75-billion Zero Emission Transit Fund is accepting applications under both its Planning and Capital streams. Eligible applicants can seek funding to help cover planning and capital costs related to electrifying public transit systems and school transportation, including the purchase of zero-emission buses and related infrastructure. This Fund is closely coordinated with the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s commitment to invest $1.5 billion in zero-emission buses as part of its three-year Growth Plan.

• The Government of Canada is investing $14.9 billion over the next eight years in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This funding includes $3 billion per year in permanent, predictable federal public transit funding which will be available beginning in 2026-27.

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested over $24.8 billion in transit projects across the country, providing Canadians with cleaner and more efficient commuting options.

• These public transit investments complement Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. The plan commits the Government of Canada to provide permanent federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation available in every community.

Associated links

• Zero Emission Transit Fund
• Active Transportation Fund
• Rural Transit Solutions Fund
• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Strengthened Climate Plan
• Canada Infrastructure Bank – Zero Emission Buses Initiative

For more information (media only), please contact:

Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
343-574-8116
Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca  

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
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Web: Infrastructure Canada

Jenna Leslie
Communications Coordinator
City of Belleville
613-967-3200 ext. 3261
jleslie@belleville.ca