Brampton, Ont. plans construction of new electric bus maintenance facility; costs could top $325M

City council in the fast-growing Toronto suburb of Brampton has approved a plan for a new bus maintenance and storage facility, the first phase of which could cost as much as $325 million.

The maintenance yard, still dependent on further funding, could support around 250 buses as the city builds out its zero-emissions fleet. Initial plans put the cost of the site at $175 million, with an additional $125 to $150 million required for the electrification of the facility.

“Creating a first of its kind fully electric transit facility and transitioning to a fully electric zero emission bus fleet in the future builds on council’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and building a green city,” Rowena Santos, the regional councillor for Brampton wards 1 and 5. “This is a milestone in our journey to reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated in Brampton by 80 per cent by 2050.”

The city is targeting 2022 for the start of construction on Phase 1 of the two-stage project. The facility would cover approximately 400,000 sq. ft. under Phase 1, with up to 200,000 sq. ft. added in Phase 2.

To support fully-electric buses, the maintenance yard could include high-powered overhead chargers, on-site energy storage and the future addition of hydrogen storage tanks. Further design work and funding availability will determine the specifics.

The facility is planned for Hwy. 50 and Cadetta Road at the northeast edge of Brampton.