WHEREAS the Government of Ontario unilaterally cancelled a planned two cent incremental increase of gas tax transfers to municipalities;
AND WHEREAS transit systems will not be able to meet the needs of Ontarian commuters if they do not have operational funding to provide convenient, affordable and reliable services;
AND WHEREAS the dedicated Gas Tax for Public Transportation Program has, since its inception in 2004, become an irreplaceable source of capital and operational funding that Ontario transit systems of all sizes count on the serve their communities;
AND WHEREAS transit systems have, since the program became permanent in 2014, experienced year-over-year ridership increases as a result of service level improvements;
AND WHEREAS Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit provides a vital transportation service for the vulnerable residents of our municipality;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Kincardine request that the Government of Ontario continue to support transit systems across the province, recognizing the economic, environmental, and social benefits of public transit investments;
AND FURTHER THAT Council request that the Government of Ontario make evidence-based decisions when considering the effectiveness of current gas tax transfers to municipalities in growing transit ridership across Ontario;
AND FURTHER THAT the Government of Ontario preserve and continue existing gas tax transfers to municipalities as a dedicated source of funding for public transit.
Carried.