New projects approved in three Alberta communities
BLACK DIAMOND, AB, Sept. 8, 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, Brian Malkinson, MLA for Calgary-Currie, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Mason, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation; and His Worship Glen Fagan, Mayor of the Town of Black Diamond, announced more than $1.3 million for new transit projects in three Alberta communities. The federal government is providing $138,000 for these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) and the province is investing more than $903,000. The municipalities will be responsible for the remaining costs.
This funding will allow the Town of Pincher Creek to purchase a fully accessible compressed natural gas bus and build five bus shelters for improved user safety and comfort. In the Town of Turner Valley, a Park & Ride facility will be built, including public washrooms. And finally, the Town of Black Diamond will develop its inter-municipal transit system by purchasing three transit vehicles adapted for wheelchair users.
The projects announced today are in addition to 107 others approved for funding since Canada and Alberta signed the Canada-Alberta PTIF and Clean Water and Wastewater Fund Bilateral Agreement in September 2016. The Government of Alberta has also announced support for another 34 projects that are receiving GreenTRIP only funding.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is working closely with the Government of Alberta 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. These three projects will not only meet the current needs of residents but lay the foundation for future community development."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"This funding demonstrates our government's commitment to make life better for Albertans by providing smaller communities with safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable public transportation options. Regional public transit is critical for residents in smaller cities and towns, giving residents better access to jobs, healthcare, education, recreation and shopping in larger centres, while supporting local growth."
The Honourable Brian Mason,
Alberta Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation
"The Town of Black Diamond is very happy to be the recipient of grant funding to further our goal of providing public transit to our residents. As the Town continues to thrive and grow, more people will be able to take advantage of the benefits offered by public transit, particularly the On-It regional transit pilot project. This is a service that can grow with us, get people to businesses, medical care or get them to their jobs. Being able to access provincial and federal grant funding helps us create these much needed services for our communities."
His Worship Glen Fagan,
Mayor of the Town of Black Diamond
"As initiator of the On-It regional transit program, working closely with the Ministry of Transportation, the Calgary Regional Partnership is pleased to hear of the commitment of more than $1.3 million for new transit projects in three Alberta communities. We believe a collaborative approach is more critical now than ever, and we applaud the forward thinking of the Government of Alberta and the federal government in supporting this initiative. The Calgary Regional Partnership works closely with the participating communities and we are delighted to see those affected communities have better access to transit options."
Colleen Shepherd, Executive Vice-President of the Calgary Regional Partnership,
On behalf of Calgary Regional Partnership Chairman, Mayor Bill Robertson
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.
- Alberta's transit investment aligns with the province's Climate Leadership Plan, as transit helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing affordable alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles.
- Transit funding helps improve the quality of life for Albertans by supporting safe, affordable, accessible and environmentally sustainable transportation options.
- Transit projects improve public access to essential services, education and jobs, making lives better for Albertans.
Related product
Canada and Alberta fund three additional public transit projects
A new list of transit projects has been approved under the Canada-Alberta Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and Clean Water and Wastewater Fund Bilateral Agreement. Altogether, the Province of Alberta will receive up to $347,190,000 from the federal government for public transit projects under the Agreement with federal contributions covering up to 50 per cent of the eligible project costs. The Government of Alberta and municipalities will contribute the balance.
The projects announced today are in addition to 107 others approved for funding since Canada and Alberta signed the Agreement in September 2016.
Newly funded projects:
| Location |
Project name |
Federal funding |
Provincial funding |
Anticipated start date |
| Town of Black |
Local Inter-Municipal Transit System Development |
$46,000 |
$300,000 |
July 1, 2017 |
| Town of |
Transit Service; Purchase One CNG Bus and Five Passenger Shelters and Benches |
$46,000 |
$303,333 |
January 1, |
| Town of Turner |
Park-n-Ride Facility Construction |
$46,000 |
$300,000 |
July 1, 2017 |
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
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]; Sharlene Brown, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Black Diamond, (403) 933-4348, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [email protected]
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