Deal between Ottawa and province similar to Toronto likely coming: sources

The city of Ottawa could see a deal similar to one brokered between the city of Toronto and the Ontario government, provincial sources say.

The city of Ottawa could see a deal similar to one brokered between the city of Toronto and the Ontario government, provincial sources say.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he is hopeful that a historic deal by the city of Toronto and the Doug Ford government to 'upload' the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway into the province's hands will mean similar financial help for the city of Ottawa and other municipalities.

Sutcliffe told CTV News Ottawa on Monday that the new deal for Toronto shows the province is willing to consider funding for the city's transit system and offloading Hwy. 174 from the city's responsibility, which he hopes will save the city millions.

"I think it's reasonable to expect there will be similar help for the city of Ottawa," he said. "It’s a great deal for Toronto and I think it sets a precedent and illustrates that the provincial government is ready to work with municipalities."

Sources tell CTV News Ottawa that the city could benefit from a similar deal, but it's unclear when an announcement could be made.

The city has been petitioning the province to upload Hwy. 174 back into the provincial highway network after having been downloaded to the city by the Progressive Conservative government in the 1990s.

The trade of two major highways in Toronto between the provincial and municipal government is meant to address the city's financial problems. In total, the agreement will provide the city with up to $1.2 billion in financial relief over three years by purchasing two city-run highways in the city. Toronto is facing a $1.5 billion shortfall in its 2024 budget.