While Canada’s most populous province continues its heated transit funding debate, Premier Kathleen Wynne recently suggested green bonds as a potential revenue tool. Don Curren sheds light on the bonds and how they might get transit projects rolling.
“When Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said Wednesday the province might issue ‘green bonds’ to help fund transit projects, she set the stage for Canada’s most populous province to do some trail blazing,” writes Don Curren.
“Green bonds,” he continues, “are similar to other bonds in that they’re debt instruments which issuers sell to investors in return for interest over the life of the bond and return of principal by the time the bond matures.”
“What makes green bonds different is that the issuer, whether it’s a government body or a private-sector corporation, guarantees the funds raised through the offering are dedicated to a specific project or initiative that’s positive for the environment.”
FULL STORY: Ontario “Green Bonds” Could Spur Growth in Fledgling Market

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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