Ontario Investing in Safe, Reliable Transit Services for Rural Communities
June 19, 2025
Province protecting jobs and driving economic growth in Lambton Shores and surrounding communities
LAMBTON SHORES — As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is investing nearly $15 million to help support safe, reliable transit services in rural communities, including almost $1 Million to Lambton Shores. The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) and will help drive economic growth and connect more people to jobs and housing.
“This investment is a great example of what we can achieve when all levels of government work together to support our rural communities. Enhancing Huron Shores Area Transit will make a real difference for residents in Lambton and Huron counties,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex. “I’m proud to see our government continuing to invest in local transit solutions that meet the unique needs of our region.”
The Municipality of Lambton Shores will receive $969,232 in OTIF funding which will be used to enhance Huron Shores Area Transit by adding on-demand services to the existing fixed-route bus service. This will increase service frequency and expand the coverage area, increasing access to transit for residents of Lambton and Huron counties.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is ensuring all Ontarians, including those in rural communities, have access to reliable transportation to get them where they need to go, when they need to get there,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “As part of our plan to protect Ontario, we’re investing in local transit services that connect people with good-paying jobs, housing and other opportunities, while boosting our economy at a time when it matters most.”
OTIF helps municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations start up or expand transit services in unserved or underserved parts of the province, particularly in rural communities. The budget for OTIF is $5 million a year starting in 2025-26. Successful applicants receive funding of up to 50 per cent of project costs for up to five years for projects that encourage integrated, coordinated and sustainable transit services.
“Whether it’s small businesses attracting customers and employees, students getting to school or families visiting loved ones, our government’s investment in regional transit is helping rural communities like Lambton and Huron counties remain vibrant and healthy places to live, work and do business,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
QUICK FACTS
- OTIF funding will expand access to transit services for almost 1.5 million people.
- Connecting communities underserved by passenger transportation services is one of the actions in the province’s regional transportation plans for southwestern Ontario and eastern Ontario.
QUOTES
“Huron Shores Area Transit launched in December 2020 with support from Ontario’s Community Transportation Grant, filling a vital gap in our rural communities,” said Lambton Shores Mayor Doug Cook. “When that funding ended, we worked with our municipal and First Nation partners to keep the service going, but long-term sustainability relied on continued provincial support. We’re incredibly thankful for today’s funding announcement and for the province’s renewed commitment to the Huron Shores Transit System that our community and neighbours depend on to provide a dependable rural transit system.”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Ontario Investing in Transportation for Rural Communities | Ontario Newsroom
Planning transportation for Southwestern Ontario
Planning transportation for Eastern Ontario