Federal funding supports transit projects in northwestern Ontario

Specialized transit services are being enhanced in parts of northwestern Ontario.

The federal government is doling out $1.5 million to five projects.

The bulk of the money is going to Lac Seul First Nation.

It will use more than $870,000 to purchase vehicles, bus shelters and other infrastructure to support a local transit service.

Naicatchewenin First Nation, north of Fort Frances, will use $153,883 to purchase a vehicle for community elders to access.

Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre is getting $120,000 for a vehicle that supports the Gizhewaadiziwin Indigenous and Metis Transit Service.

The accessible van will service the towns and Indigenous communities in the Rainy River District.

The Health Access Centre is contributing another $41,000 toward the purchase.

The Indian Youth Friendship Society is receiving $160,000 to purchase an accessible vehicle to be offered to Indigenous peoples living in Thunder Bay and surrounding rural areas.

Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg First Nation (Pic Mobert First Nation) is also purchasing an accessible vehicle with its federal grant of $183,993 as it establishes an on-demand transit system for the community east of White River.

The funding is provided through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, which supports initiatives that enhance access to public transit in rural, remote, Indigenous and northern communities.