SAGUENAY, QC, Aug. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize that investing in public transit infrastructure is crucial to economic growth, reducing pollution and creating inclusive communities where everyone has access to public services and job opportunities.
Denis Lemieux, Member of Parliament for Chicoutimi–Le Fjord, and Serge Simard, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region, today announced an investment of more than $8.8 million for four projects being undertaken by the Société de transport du Saguenay under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. The Government of Canada will invest more than $4.9 million in these projects and the Government of Quebec will contribute more than $3.9 million. The Société de transport du Saguenay will provide the remaining funding.
These contributions will allow the STQ to purchase a dozen buses to better serve certain areas, create a priority lane on Talbot Boulevard and develop a transport and mobility plan. Once completed, these projects will make the Saguenay public transit system more reliable, efficient and inclusive, thereby meeting the community's immediate needs while preparing for anticipated increases in ridership in the future.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is investing in projects that contribute to building sustainable communities while promoting economic development and the growth of the middle class. The many public transit projects announced today will help improve commute times, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the overall user experience, thereby also preparing the city of Saguenay for future growth."
Denis Lemieux, Member of Parliament, Chicoutimi–Le Fjord, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The Government of Quebec's investment, together with that of the Government of Canada and the Société de transport du Saguenay, will greatly improve transit flow and the user experience. These many projects will contribute to the city of Saguenay's economic growth while improving air quality and the residents' quality of life. These environmentally responsible alternatives to car travel will make the city of Saguenay an ideal choice for families and workers seeking a modern, sustainable and safe lifestyle."
Serge Simard, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region, on behalf of Laurent Lessard, Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification.
"Our governments' orientations are clear: public transit in the context of climate change is at the heart of our concerns and can make a significant difference for our citizens. Above all, it enable us to prepare the mobility of future generations, thanks to facilities that promote the use of active travel and preserve good health."
Réjean Hudon, President of the Société de transport du Saguenay
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- To support public transit, Budget 2017 is allocating $25.3 billion. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- Over the next 10 years, the Government of Quebec plans to invest more than $91.1 billion from the province's infrastructure plan in health, education and transportation, in order to improve families' quality of life and create conditions that support innovation and economic growth.
Related Product
Financial information and project list
Associated Links
Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $180 billion infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html
Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html
Public Transit Infrastructure Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php
Quebec Infrastructure Plan: https://www.tresor.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/PDF/budget_depenses/17-18/infrastructuresPubliquesQuebec.pdf
Backgrounder
The governments of Canada and Quebec support better public transit services in Saguenay
Investments of more than $8.8 million
Public Transit Infrastructure Fund
The governments of Canada and Quebec are investing $8,865,000 in four projects being undertaken by the Société de transport du Saguenay (STS) to improve commute times, reduce air pollution, strengthen communities and grow the regional economy.
The Government of Canada is contributing $4,925,000, representing 50 percent of the total eligible costs, and the province is providing $3,940,000, representing 40 percent of the total eligible costs. The STS will provide the remaining funding.
List of projects
| Project Name |
Federal |
Provincial |
Funding |
Anticipated start |
| Purchase of four 40-foot hybrid buses in 2017 |
$1,700,000 |
$1,360,000 |
$340,000 |
August 31, 2016 |
| Purchase of eight 30-foot diesel Midibuses in 2017 |
$1,500,000 |
$1,200,000 |
$300,000 |
December 1, 2016 |
| Priority lane - Talbot zone |
$1,500,000 |
$1,200,000 |
$300,000 |
April 1, 2016 |
| Transportation and mobility plan |
$225,000 |
$180,000 |
$45,000 |
December 1, 2016 |
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Contacts: Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Tel.: 613-301-0894; Janick Gagné, Policy Advisor, Office of the Member for Dubuc, Tel.: 418-544-8106; For information:Media Relations, Communications Branch, Quebec Department of transport, sustainable mobility and transport electrification, Tel.: 418-644-4444, Montreal: 514-873-5600, Toll free: 1-866-341-5724; Infrastructure Canada, Tel.: 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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