On Friday, MP Terry Sheehan announced $5,875,550 in federal funding to the City of Sault Ste. Marie for transit over 10 years.
The announcement was made alongside an almost $7-million in funding for local homelessness initiatives over four years.
"This money is predictable funding, long-term funding so that the mayor can do his planning with council and staff. This is over and above all the record-breaking investments that we have made in transit for infrastructure improvements," Sheehan said in his remarks.
In 2020, Sheehan announced $10 million in transit funding, followed in 2024 with a $3.1 million announcement toward transit improvements, including the purchase of two electric buses.
Nicole Maione, director of Community Services, said the plans for the Sault's first electric buses are still being worked out.
"This is a multi-step process that involves council approval for the capital budget, to securing funding and procurement processes, all of which take time. Once these steps are completed, the manufacturing and delivery process could take up to 18 months," Maione said.
A news release that accompanied Friday's announcement said the newly-announced funding would be used for, 'routine capital investments, expansion and state of good repair projects.'
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said this funding means the city can continue to enhance transit to provide better service that reaches more people.
"Reliable transit connects people to jobs, health care, education and social services. For those facing financial hardship, an affordable and accessible transit system is essential to maintaining stability and independence," Shoemaker said.