JASON SETNYK
The Province of Ontario is investing $710,246 in City of Cornwall transit through its 2025-26 Gas Tax program, funding aimed at maintaining and improving local service as the municipality plans for future growth.
The annual allocation, consistent with last year, can be used at the City’s discretion for operating or capital needs, including expanded service hours, new routes, fleet upgrades, and accessibility improvements. Across Ontario, nearly $380 million is being distributed to 107 municipalities through the program.
Nolan Quinn said the funding provides stability for both riders and municipalities. “It is a reliable pathway to be able to get to work, to school. It’s great for employers, great for employees, as well as students,” Quinn said, noting the importance of affordability and consistency in transit planning. “Having stable and reliable funding is essential for budgeting and planning for the future.”
At the local level, Justin Towndale emphasized the importance of predictable funding as the City reviews its transit system. “Having predictable funding is very, very crucial to ensuring the day-to-day operations of our transit service that so many of our residents rely on,” Towndale said.
The funding announcement comes as Cornwall advances a new Transit Master Plan alongside a separate Sunday service study, both aimed at modernizing the system. Towndale noted the previous master plan, completed in 2018, is already being updated to reflect population growth and shifting transportation needs.
“We are undertaking a transit master plan right now and it will shape the future of transit,” he said. “Council also approved a study to look at starting Sunday service potentially as soon as this September. That’s exciting, and I think that is important for our community.”
While a September launch remains tentative, Towndale said the timeline will depend on findings from consultants and discussions with staff and unions. “The initial indication is that it might be possible, but we know there’s more work to do,” he said.
The investment was also welcomed by transit officials. Jean Marcil described the funding as key to maintaining service levels and supporting future improvements. “This funding is a significant investment that continues to help improve our transit operations and capital plans, allowing us to provide the best service possible to our riders,” Marcil said, thanking staff and passengers for their continued support.
In response to a question about whether the province would consider increasing gas tax funding to reflect rising fuel and operating costs, Nolan Quinn did not commit to any changes. Instead, he pointed to the government’s gas tax cuts and affordability measures, adding that any future adjustments are something “the minister at the time would look at.”
Gas Tax funding is based on transit ridership and population, with two cents per litre of provincial gasoline tax dedicated to public transit under provincial legislation.
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