“Hamilton’s LRT project has taken another step forward. A brief ceremony was held Wednesday morning inside of city hall, where a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was formally signed by city and provincial representatives. […] Mayor Fred Eisenberger, Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney and Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster all signed the document, which will leave the city responsible for operating and daily maintenance costs along the 14-kilometre LRT line. […] Early stages of construction, including underground utility work, are expected to begin in 2022 along the LRT line, which will run between McMaster University and Eastgate Square.”

“The Ontario government is welcoming a new federal funding commitment of $1.7 billion to advance the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which matches Ontario’s $1.7 billion investment into the project for a total investment of $3.4 billion to support construction. Through this partnership, the province and federal government are taking a significant step towards advancing this shovel-ready LRT project that will offer frequent and reliable connections on the 14-kilometre line from Eastgate Square through downtown Hamilton to McMaster University.”

“Hamilton’s mayor says the province wants to make light-rail transit (LRT) happen with a mix of provincial, federal and private-sector money, and he expects the province will say more ‘in the coming weeks.’ […] In a statement Thursday, the Ministry of Transportation says it’s looking at several projects, including LRT, bus rapid transit (BRT) and more GO service. Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario is doing a technical review of these options right now, the ministry says.”

“The Ontario government cancelled $1 billion in funding for Hamilton’s light-rail transit system on Monday, killing it amid a chaotic afternoon that included a hastily cancelled news conference, city councillors facing down police and Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney leaving the city with a police escort.”