Toronto Mayor John Tory says he’s “happy” Ottawa’s billion-dollar transit funding pledge comes with the condition that the provincial government fork out one-third of the cash.

The promise — that Toronto get approximately $4.8 billion of the $8.34 billion the federal government has earmarked for Ontario — was made in a Thursday letter from federal Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi to lower levels of government.

The letter says provincial governments will have to bankroll at least 33 per cent of municipal projects. The funding agreement, which still has to be approved by the provinces and territories, is contingent on being able to show the projects grow the economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make communities more inclusive.

Tory said Toronto’s portion will go toward projects such as the Downtown Relief Line, Smart Track, the Eglinton East LRT and waterfront transit.

“This is a huge victory for Toronto and will lead to better transit for the entire region,” the mayor said in a statement.

He also thinks Ottawa should pressure Ontario to pony up a larger share.

“I am also happy to see that our provincial partners will be required to contribute at least 33 per cent of the project costs, and encourage the Province of Ontario to commit to a 40-40-20 cost-share arrangement,” Tory said.

Tory has not shied away from knocking Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne for not doling out enough cash for Toronto's transit network expansion plan, and especially after the premier nixed the possibility of road tolls.

Sohi’s letter maps out Ontario’s share of funding for other infrastructure streams, including $2.84 billion for green projects, $407.1 million for community and recreational initiatives, and $250 million for projects in northern and rural areas. It's all part of Ottawa's $33-billion, 11-year infrastructure spending program.

Ontario Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli said he’s committed to having an agreement in place as soon as possible. Sohi’s letter sets a deadline for March 2018.

“We are thrilled that the current federal government has stepped up and committed funding for Ontario’s transit needs, respecting both provincial and municipal priorities in the process,” Chiarelli said in a statement.

“This is the first step in negotiating a bilateral agreement, and we will be working very closely with both the federal government and Ontario’s municipal partners over the course of the next year to negotiate the best deal for Ontarians.”

Chiarelli added the province is committed to spending $190 billion on infrastructure over 13 years and has contributed more than 70 per cent of funding for Toronto's rapid transit projects — both "historic" investments.

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Federal infrastructure cash comes with condition provinces pay one-third share

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