Ontario’s Ford government is “considering” a request from Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish to subsidize the operating costs of the unfinished Hurontario LRT when it eventually opens.

In mid-November, Parrish sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford, asking the province to provide at least three years of funding for the LRT’s operations, similar to the agreements Ontario made with Toronto at the end of 2023.

“Earlier this year, your government struck new funding deals with Toronto and Ottawa, providing each city with funding for transit projects,” Parrish wrote on November 13. “In both cases, your government recognized the significant operating pressures faced by these cities and determined that provincial support was needed. I am asking you to do the same for Mississauga.”

Parrish stated that operating the Hurontario LRT—named the Hazel McCallion Line—would cost Mississauga approximately $65 million annually, which would equate to a 3.6 percent property tax increase when the line opens.

Under a renegotiated deal with Toronto, the province agreed to cover the operational costs of both the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRT lines once they open. Although these routes will be operated by the TTC, the provincial government has committed to reimbursing the transit agency for related expenses.

“Premier, I am asking you to do what you have done for Toronto and Ottawa and deliver a new deal for Mississauga that includes funding for the operating costs of the Hazel McCallion LRT for the first three years, at least,” Parrish wrote.

A spokesperson for the provincial government confirmed that the request is being reviewed, stating, “We are considering the mayor’s request,” in a brief comment to Global News.

None of the Hurontario, Finch West, or Eglinton Crosstown LRT lines have confirmed opening dates, as all three Metrolinx-led projects have faced delays, pushing their expected completion dates further back.