Ontario extending Hazel McCallion LRT into downtown Mississauga and Brampton

The Ontario government will be extending the Hazel McCallion LRT further into Mississauga and Brampton.

The Ontario government will be extending the Hazel McCallion LRT further into Mississauga and Brampton.

In a letter to Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster, which was obtained by CTV News Toronto, Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria directed the agency to “bring forward a plan to build the downtown Mississauga loop and an extension into downtown Brampton.”

This directive, Sarkaria said, came directly from the premier. The minister noted in the Jan. 17 letter that while the Hazel McCallion LRT is not yet complete, it is making “strong progress” and the addition of these extra stops would allow for greater connections between the two cities.

The government expects a tight turnaround, asking for an Initial Business Case to be submitted no later than Feb. 5. This gives Metrolinx just over two weeks to consult with municipalities and stakeholders, determine anticipated costs, and provide analysis on route options.

A spokesperson for Sarkaria told CTV News Toronto in a statement the government has been “steadfast in getting shovels in the ground.”

“Peel is one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions. Our government will continue to invest historic amounts in connected transportation there - and across the province - so that Ontarians can spend less time commuting and more time at home, doing what matters most to them.”

The currently 18-kilometre line was supposed to open in 2024 and is expected to provide a rapid transit connection from Port Credit GO Station in Mississauga to the Brampton Gateway Terminal. Nineteen stops, many of which connect to other major transit systems within the Peel Region, have already been planned.