BRAMPTON: Across the country, Canadians are feeling the impacts of climate change and air pollution. By investing in initiatives that cut pollution and design efficient local infrastructure, we are building strong, healthy communities for everyone to call home. This is why the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are investing in smart, sustainable solutions from coast to coast to coast.
Today in Brampton, MP Ruby Sahota, on behalf of The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources and Rory Nisan, Councillor for Halton Region and Board member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, announced a $253,000 investment through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to support the transition to low-emission transit.
The Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) receives $175,000 to support the City of Brampton’s strategic efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to meet future ridership demand for public transit. The focus of the study is to assess the feasibility of using zero tailpipe-emission buses (ZEBs) on Brampton Transit’s route network.
CUTRIC receives an additional $78,000 to support the City of Burlington’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The focus of this study is to analyze the techno-economic and life-cycle emissions associated with transitioning Burlington Transit’s fleet to fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) across all routes and blocks.
Both studies will be carried out using CUTRIC’s internally developed predictive modelling tool, RoutΣ.i™. This tool incorporates operational conditions such as route maps, transit schedules, weather, and passenger-loading to determine the feasibility and benefits of adopting ZEBs or FCEBs based on existing technology.
The Green Municipal Fund, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, is funded through an endowment by the Government of Canada. GMF helps local governments switch to sustainable practices faster. Its unique mix of funding, resources and training gives municipalities the tools they need to build resiliency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
While , the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources said, announcement of funding for clean transportation in Brampton and Burlington, Ontario, is a key step toward our government’s priority to support Canadians in reducing pollution, enhancing our communities and furthering our innovation in clean technologies. The Government of Canada is very pleased to support CUTRIC’s leadership in this area. I would like to congratulate them for their leadership.”
Also, MP Sonia Sidhu MP from Brampton South said, “Today’s announcement will help Brampton Transit, one of Canada’s fastest-growing transit networks significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Strategic investment through the FCM’s Green Municipal Fund like today’s of more than $250,000 is an important step on our path to a net-zero future. It’s good for our planet, and it’s even better for our residents who will see even more zero-emission buses on our streets.” Sonia Sidhu, MP Brampton South
And the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault, said, “It’s critically important to have everyone in the climate fight. Municipalities across Canada are doing their part with innovative solutions that create jobs and climate resilience. Green infrastructure investments in Canadian communities will make our air cleaner, our economy stronger, and set us on the path to a net-zero future.”
While Brampton city mayor Patrick Brown said, “Thank you to the Government of Canada and the FCM for their investment in CUTRIC’s feasibility study for zero-emission buses in the City of Brampton. This $175K investment will directly support the next level of sustainable transit in Brampton and in Canada, as Brampton Transit purchases up to 450 zero-emission buses for Brampton’s roads over the next five years. Brampton is a Green City, and together, we will reduce our carbon footprint and improve the quality of life in our community.”
