That’s a lot of bus fares: London Transit facility for electric fleet pegged at $333 million
The city’s plan to build a new London Transit facility to charge and maintain electric buses has a staggering new price tag: one-third of a billion dollars.
Almost three years after then-mayor Ed Holder charted a course to electrify London’s bus fleet, details about the largest component of that plan are coming into focus in a new report.
A new headquarters and electric bus charging/maintenance facility on London Transit’s Highbury Avenue property will require multiple phases of demolition and construction to ensure bus service is not interrupted.
The report to city council’s Strategic Priorities and Policy (SP&P) Committee estimates it will cost $332.5 million.
“To demolish and rebuild is about $292 million, the remainder of that cost getting us to $332 million deals with the design, the consulting that’s associated, and operational requirements,” explained Kelly Paleczny, general manager of London Transit.
Construction will be divided into two separate projects, the first starting in 2025 and lasting two-and-a-half to three years.
Paleczny explained that London Transit’s current facility is in poor condition and an electric bus fleet will require space and specialized equipment for maintenance and charging.
“Right now this facility maxes out at about 185 buses,” she said. “The new facility on the same site will be 250, so it gives us room to expand.”
In March 2019, city council settled the rapid transit debate by advancing only three of the five routes for senior government funding.
About $119 million originally sought for the north and west routes remains unallocated.
Earlier this year, the federal government shortened the timeline for cities to choose projects for funding through its Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
The ICIP transit fund is a cost sharing agreement between three levels of government:
- 40 per cent federal government
- 33 per cent provincial government
- 27 per cent municipal government
City staff recommend redirecting the remaining ICIP funding to cover much of the $199.5 million cost of the first project (moving London Transit HQ and building a partial electric bus barn).
Funding sources for the second project ($133 million), to complete the remainder of the specialized electric bus barn, will be determined through future municipal budgets and federal funding programs.
The SP&P Committee will consider directing London’s remaining ICIP funding to the new London Transit facility on Dec. 6.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.