Hurontario/Main Street Master Plan: On Track with Light Rail Transit

The City of Mississauga’s Hurontario/Main Street Study’s Master Plan, adopted by. Council on July 7th, is on track to further the City’s goal of building a transit-oriented city with plans to create a more people-friendly street with a light rail transit (LRT) system.

“Hurontario is an essential north/south route in Mississauga and we look forward to working with Metrolinx and the City of Brampton, to ensure the corridor develops to meets the needs of the residents and businesses that use it,” said Mayor Hazel McCallion. “We are doing everything we can to make Mississauga a transit-oriented city and keep our projects on the agenda of funding agencies. Efficient transit is the key to our city’s future and that of the GTA. Regional transit links will connect cities, support future growth, fuel our economies and improve the environment.”

The master plan was developed jointly by the City of Mississauga and the City of Brampton to set the framework for the future of this corridor stretching from the waterfront in Port Credit, to downtown Mississauga and into downtown Brampton. Extensive public consultation occurred with residents and businesses from the distinct communities along the corridor. A recent Metrolinx benefit case report endorsed the case for light rail transit technology selection.

“We are excited to begin our work and we are well positioned to move forward with this City building project that blends land use and transit to connect people conveniently with where they live, work, shop or visit,” said commissioner of Transportation & Works, Martin Powell. “Our master plan recommendations set the stage for Mississauga and Brampton, working with Metrolinx, to begin building a great street that puts pedestrians and transit users first. We are looking at opportunities on the corridor including job creation and commercial and residential land use. With this plan we will be able to deliver an efficient and well connected corridor.”

According to the plan, the LRT would have up to 32 stations located along the 20 kilometre (12.4 miles) corridor. The system would provide faster travel times and improved connections to interregional BRT and GO Rail systems. The estimated cost for the LRT system is estimated at $1.2 billion.

Background:

The cities of Mississauga and Brampton through the joint Hurontario/Main Street Study identified Light Rail Transit (LRT) as the preferred option for the corridor. The Hurontario/Main Street Study is focused on rapid transit, land use and urban design from Port Credit to downtown Brampton. The study is part of the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan, The Big Move, that identified the corridor as one of 15 priority projects for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

As Canada’s sixth largest city, Mississauga is home to 730,000 residents and 55,000 businesses, including 61 Fortune 500 companies with Canadian head offices or major divisional head offices. A diverse, progressive and award-winning municipality located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga is one of Greater Toronto’s Top 90 Employers for 2010. Enhancing its citizens’ quality of life by providing superior services, revitalizing its infrastructure and conserving the environment, Mississauga is committed to innovation, operational excellence and fiscal responsibility which is reflected in its motto: “Leading Today for Tomorrow.”

Tags

• Light Rail Transit (LRT)