Ontario Construction News staff writer
Work is underway on a $32.5-million upgrade and expansion of Transit Windsor’s main operations facility, part of a larger $39.3-million investment in the city’s public transit system.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie, along with city and transit officials, celebrated the groundbreaking at the Transit Centre located at 3700 North Service Rd. E.
This project is being funded through the federal and provincial governments’ Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), which includes $15.3 million from the federal government, $12.7 million from Ontario, and $11.3 million from the City of Windsor.
The expansion will add around 46,000 sq. ft., allowing for more bus storage and larger maintenance areas.
Improvements will also include upgrades to building systems and bus service bays, replacing the bus wash and vehicle fueling systems, as well as enhancing electrical services and distribution.
The initiative encompasses replacing parking lots, sidewalks, and laneways; upgrading site lighting and controls; installing new gates and fencing; plus landscaping and site restoration.
The construction will be done in phases so that Transit Windsor can continue its operations during this time, reducing interruptions for riders.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of a transformative investment in Transit Windsor’s future. Modernizing the Transit Windsor garage will improve efficiency, support transit growth, and help ensure residents can count on safe, reliable public transportation as our community continues to grow,” said Dowie.
Federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson mentioned that this project will aid Windsor in handling population growth along with increasing demand for public transit.
“Investing in infrastructure like this garage expansion provides communities with the proper infrastructure to support their growth and public transit needs. Expanding the bus storage bays, upgrading building systems, and overall improvements to the garage will ultimately enhance the public transit system making it safer, more reliable, and efficient for traveling around Windsor.”
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria stated that the province is putting nearly $70 billion into public transit projects.
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is investing nearly $70 billion into public transit projects to ensure Ontarians have fast access wherever they need to go each day regardless of where they live. The newly expanded Transit Centre Garage will meet future service needs in one of Ontario’s fastest-growing cities while helping families and businesses move around Windsor for years ahead.”
Dilkens noted that this garage expansion is part of a larger municipal effort aimed at enhancing transit services along with infrastructure technology.
“Today marks a significant milestone for transforming the Transit Windsor Garage Expansion Project – it’s another example of Council’s major investments into our city’s public transport system. Public transportation is an essential municipal service. As part of our 2026 City Budget plan, we approved $5.5 million dedicated to capital investments in public transport. Recent announcements regarding new West End and East End terminals as well as today’s groundbreaking reflect over $50 million invested into our city’s transport network. These initiatives contribute greatly towards true city-building by connecting residents better to neighborhoods jobs education healthcare events among other vital services enabling everyone participate fully within our community life. Since 2022 alone , we’ve put resources towards improving infrastructure creating new routes enhancing existing services updating technologies much more yet still planned ahead. Our careful strategic planning alongside responsible investments safeguard affordability while continuing build necessary infrastructures services amenities required by growing population. Many thanks again extended towards federal provincial partners contributing ongoing support throughout this endeavor designers builders working diligently realize vision now unfolding.”
Jelena Payne who serves as deputy chief administrative officer & commissioner economic development described how crucial facility really stands within operations related directly toward Transit-Windsor.
“The Transit Centre Garage acts like central hub supporting all kinds local transport activities going around neighborhood.”
“This expansion aims modernize current setup ensuring enhanced efficiency better position meet upcoming demands laid forth by users.”
We are thankful too Government Canada Province Ontario Mayor Dilkens City Council continuously backing us through these advancements needed sustain connectivity between jobs education health care communities themselves.”
The city reports that this garage enhancement forms part over$100million worth funding aimed at boosting various infrastructures concerning Transit-Windsor. p >
Other plans involve developing fresh terminals located both west east ends introducing Umo fare management scheme alongside other enhancements going forward. p >
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