The Ontario government has announced its plans to extend the Hazel McCallion Light Rail Transit (LRT) into downtown Brampton and Mississauga.
Additionally, a rapid transit tunnel will be built for the Brampton section of the segment.
This underground extension will connect the Hazel McCallion Line to downtown Brampton, improving transit access to one of Canada’s growing cities.
The project aims to offer fast, affordable, and reliable transportation for more people.
The Hazel McCallion Line Extension to Downtown Brampton spans about 4km. This extension is being advanced separately from the main Hazel McCallion Line corridor, which is currently under construction.
The next steps include planning and design for Brampton and Mississauga extensions. This includes an underground tunnel from Brampton Gateway Terminal to downtown Brampton.
Metrolinx, the provincial government agency responsible for leading the project, will optimise construction and route alignment to enhance connections to Brampton Innovation District GO Station and align with the City of Brampton’s vision for Main Street and the downtown core.
Ontario Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria said: “As one of the fastest-growing cities in our province, Brampton residents deserve access to world-class transit to meet the needs of a vibrant, thriving community.
“Last year, we made a promise to pave the way for a new priority transit extension that will shorten the daily commutes of tens of thousands of people in Brampton, and we’re getting it done.”
The Hazel McCallion Line extensions to downtown Brampton and Mississauga will provide key connections to GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Züm, and MiWay routes. This will help transit riders save time and reduce gridlock for drivers.
The project, which forms part of North America’s largest transit expansion, involves nearly C$70bn in investment over the next decade to build and expand public transit and infrastructure.
The Hazel McCallion LRT, earlier known as the Hurontario-Main LRT, was initially designed for 23km and 26 stops. It is now 19 stops and 18km.
In response, the City of Brampton also welcomed the Ontario government’s decision to stretch the Hazel McCallion Line. Brampton’s government said the extension project will generate 47,000 new housing units and 17,000 jobs.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said: “The commitment from Premier Ford and the Government of Ontario to fund the extension of the LRT into our city, including a tunnelled section into downtown, is truly a game changer.”
