The City of Brampton celebrated a transformative announcement today as the Ontario government committed to extending the Hazel McCallion Line (Hurontario LRT) into downtown Brampton through a rapid transit tunnel. This historic investment, championed by Regional Councillor Rowena Santos and supported by Mayor Patrick Brown, represents a significant milestone for the city’s transit network, economic growth, and sustainability.
The four-kilometre underground extension will connect the Brampton Gateway Terminal to downtown Brampton, integrating seamlessly with Brampton Transit, Züm, GO Transit, and other regional systems. This project will provide fast, reliable, and sustainable transit while preserving the heritage of Brampton’s historic downtown and strengthening its future as a hub for growth and innovation.
This announcement comes nearly ten years after a previous Council decided against the LRT reaching downtown Brampton. Under the leadership of Mayor Brown and the strong advocacy of Rowena Santos, the city has secured a modern, tunnelled option that not only safeguards the character of the downtown core but also builds a vibrant, connected future.
“This historic investment ensures Brampton’s downtown retains its unique charm while embracing progress,” said Regional Councillor Rowena Santos. “We have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and I want to thank the provincial government, particularly Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, for their commitment to Brampton. This extension will connect people, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all Bramptonians.”
Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor for Wards 1 & 5 and Chair of the Public Works & Engineering Committee, added:
“The Hazel McCallion Line extension into downtown Brampton will improve the lives of all Bramptonians. This Council believes in reducing congestion and connecting people to the places they need to be. By investing in sustainable transit infrastructure, we are building a better city for generations to come. I’d like to thank the Province for working with Brampton to help us realize this monumental project.”
The Hazel McCallion Line extension will act as a catalyst for urban renewal in the downtown core, aligning with key projects such as the Brampton Innovation District, Riverwalk, and significant housing developments.
Premier Doug Ford highlighted the project’s importance:
“By tunnelling the Hazel McCallion Line into downtown Brampton, we’re helping tens of thousands of daily riders connect seamlessly to world-class transit that will extend across the region. As we continue building the Hazel McCallion Line, expanding GO service and building new roads and highways in the region, including Highway 413, we’re helping Brampton residents get where they need to go quickly and conveniently.”
Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, emphasized the importance of this investment:
“As one of the fastest-growing cities in our province, Brampton residents deserve access to world-class transit to meet the needs of a vibrant, thriving community. Last year, we made a promise to pave the way for a new priority transit extension that will shorten the daily commutes of tens of thousands of people in Brampton, and we’re getting it done.”
The project is expected to generate 47,000 new housing units and 17,000 jobs over its lifecycle, solidifying Brampton’s downtown as a key destination for innovation and growth.
Jaipaul Massey-Singh, CEO of the Brampton Board of Trade, expressed enthusiasm:
“The Brampton Board of Trade is excited to learn of today’s funding announcement. As long advocates for an LRT into downtown Brampton, we look forward to the transformative impact this investment will make in serving Brampton residents, employers, and creating economic activity in our city. We appreciate the efforts across levels of government toward this investment in higher-order transit as we continue to build a vibrant and connected community.”
Designated a priority under the Building Transit Faster Act, the Hazel McCallion Line extension will benefit from streamlined approvals, ensuring efficient project delivery. As Brampton continues to grow as one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, this investment in transit infrastructure lays the foundation for a thriving, sustainable future.