EDMONTON, Sept. 14, 2017 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Alberta recognize that investing in public transit infrastructure is crucial to economic growth, reducing air pollution and creating inclusive communities where everyone has access to public services and job opportunities.
Today, the governments of Canada, Alberta and the City of Edmonton announced nearly $1.4 million for upgrades to the transit centre in the Lakewood neighbourhood. The federal government is contributing $689,000 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) and the province is investing $344,500 from the Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP). The City of Edmonton will be responsible for the remaining costs. The Lakewood transit project is in addition to the 110 other projects previously approved for funding through PTIF and GreenTRIP.
The project, which was recently completed, included the replacement of the existing Lakewood Transit Centre concrete busway and the renewal of the loading platform and curbs. The busway, originally constructed in 1982, now includes new access points to minimize travel paths for transit users. This new infrastructure increases the comfort and ease for all transit users travelling through the centre, particularly those with limited mobility. Rough-ins for future smart bus technology and additional closed circuit television cameras and lighting were also added as part of the renewal.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is working closely with our provincial and municipal partners to make strategic infrastructure investments that support middle-class job creation and economic growth. Helping Canadians get to and from their daily activities quickly and easily is essential to creating strong communities and fostering long-term prosperity. This much-needed renewal of the Lakewood Transit Centre means a more accessible, more comfortable, and safer trip for all riders along this active busway."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi,
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Our government is proud to support critical transit projects across Alberta, including right here in Edmonton, for LRT and other public transportation projects. The collaboration of all three orders of government results in infrastructure improvements that make life better for Albertans by providing affordable, reliable public transportation options and increased access to jobs, critical services, such as shopping, health care and education, and recreation. Providing accessible public transit is a priority of our government."
The Honourable Brian Mason,
Alberta Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation
"The City of Edmonton thanks the provincial and federal governments for their commitment to infrastructure improvements in our public transportation system. Revitalized transit centres, such as Lakewood, support the success of our city by creating more inviting and accessible spaces where all citizens feel safe and connected."
His Worship Don Iveson,
Mayor of the City of Edmonton
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- $25.3 billion of this funding will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- The Government of Alberta has committed $1.3 billion over four years to urban, rural and regional transit to connect communities and help Albertans access affordable transportation options.
- In addition to supporting transit projects through the PTIF, the Government of Alberta has also supported another 34 projects that are receiving GreenTRIP only funding.
Associated links
Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.budget.gc.ca/fes-eea/2016/docs/themes/infrastructure-en.html
The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php
Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html
PTIF projects in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/pt-sp/projects-list-liste-projets-ab-eng.html
Alberta Public Transportation Initiatives: https://www.alberta.ca/public-transit-initiatives.aspx
Alberta GreenTRIP: https://www.transportation.alberta.ca/5409.htm
PTIF-GreenTRIP funding breakdown: https://www.transportation.alberta.ca/documents/AlbertaFunding-Breakdown.pdf
List of all PTIF-GreenTRIP projects: https://www.transportation.alberta.ca/6093.htm
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Graeme McElheran, Communications Director, Alberta Transportation, (587) 783-0587, [email protected]; Cheryl Oxford, Media Relations Manager, Office of Mayor Don Iveson, 780-496-8104, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [email protected]
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