Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Hamilton has unveiled the Birch Transit Centre, a $390.4-million maintenance and storage facility for the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) aimed at enhancing the city’s growing bus network.
Pomerleau was the general contractor for construction, while Arcadis handled engineering design and contract administration.
Funding for this facility came from all three levels of government:
Government of Canada: $142.8 million Government of Ontario: $92.6 million City of Hamilton: $155 million
This new facility tackles a long-standing issue with capacity at HSR’s current maintenance and storage yard. With increasing demand for bus ridership and service expansion, the old infrastructure had hit its limits.
The site offers much more indoor space for both maintenance and storage, along with bus washing systems, office areas, and infrastructure to support future battery-electric buses. By expanding capacity across two locations, HSR will be better equipped to keep buses serviced, shielded from weather conditions, and reliably ready for daily use.
Construction kicked off in 2023 as part of Hamilton’s initiative to modernize its transit services and prepare for ongoing growth in the years ahead.
“Reliable public transit is essential to keeping Hamiltonians connected to jobs, schools, services and each other,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “Birch Transit Centre is an investment we are making today to support the future of our city.”
“By strengthening HSR’s capacity and supporting a larger fleet, we are enhancing service for residents and visitors alike while building a stronger, more connected Hamilton for years to come.”
“Investments in public transit result in more connected communities, allowing people to more easily travel to and from work, school and home,” said Aslam Rana, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “The Birch Transit Centre will expand the capacity of HSR to meet the needs of Hamilton’s growing population.”
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