Only project paused by Ford government spending halt is Hamilton's LRT: Metrolinx

Hamilton's $1-billion light rail transit (LRT) is the only Metrolinx projectthat willbe paused by the provincial government's move to halt discretionary spending, but the city's mayor says the stoppage isn't a "major issue."

In a statement sent to CBCNews Thursday, the public transport agency confirmed it has halted its efforts to buy new properties along the proposed 14-kilometre line in order to follow "recent government direction on discretionary spending."

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"The temporary pause on property acquisition activities is only related to the Hamilton LRT project," added Metrolinx spokesperson Fannie Sunshine."All other Metrolinx projects are proceeding according to their own schedules."

Ontario's Progressive Conservative government, led by Premier Doug Ford, ordered a freeze on hiring and discretionary spending earlier this summer in an effort to get a better grip on Ontario's financial situation.

Horwathcalls LRT a 'casualty' of Ford's cuts

The impact on transit in Hamilton drew sharp criticism from Ontario NDPleader and Hamilton Centre MPPAndrea Horwath, who issued a statement saying the city has already waited too long to see movement on the LRT.

I heard from the Premier yesterday that they're committed to public transportation and they're committed to the project in Hamilton.- Hamilton MayorFredEisenberger,

"Now, Doug Ford's cuts have hit Hamilton's LRT project, halting progress and worrying Hamiltonians that the entire project may be at risk under Ford," she wrote, adding the move undermines more than 60 votes the city's council has held in support of the project and threatens "hundreds of well paying jobs."

"It's wrong for Ford to even consider making Hamilton's LRT the latest casualty in his plan to cut funding and control cities. Not only will this impact Hamilton's transportation needs, but it means the potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars of underground infrastructure improvements that are now on hold."

The reason Hamilton'sLRTwas specifically stalled by thegovernment-ordered halt comes down to timing, according to Sunshine.

"The other projects were further along in the process," she explained.

Mayor says work continuing

Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenbergermet with Ford on Wednesday and it's his understanding, Hamilton'sLRTisn't actually the only project that's been halted.

He said the premier's staff explained the move to stop property acquisitions for the LRT was based on concerns around Metrolinxland buying for an extension of the GO transit network toward Niagara.

"Yes, we're on of the few projects that's still in the land acquisition stage, but so isMetrolinx GO transit for the Niagara expansion," said Eisenberger. "That's my understanding, that's where the concern is and that's where the pause came from."

The Mayor added he doesn't believe the halt is a "major issue."

"We're still on for the procurement process and lots of other work is being done," he said.

Metrolinxhas purchased 45 properties needed to widen the route along Main Street, King Street andQueenstonRoad, according to Sunshine.

That's about 50 per cent of the full properties that are needed to complete the project. But the agency says there's still "sufficient time" to buy all of the outstanding properties necessary.

Premier supports LRT

During the campaign, Ford said he wascommitted to supporting the LRTor providing $1 billion fortransit projects if council turns down light rail.

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But duringhis conversation with the premier Wednesday,Eisenbergersaid the focus was squarely on LRTas the solution for the city's transportation woes.

"I heard from the Premier yesterday that they're committed to public transportation and that they're committed to the project in Hamilton and anticipate Hamilton moving forward."