Newsroom - Transportation tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2011-03-30://1 2013-05-07T15:54:34Z Movable Type Enterprise 4.38 BC Coroners Service confirms identity of motorcyclist tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5979 2013-05-06T21:40:00Z 2013-05-07T15:54:34Z The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died in a motorcycle incident in the Victoria suburb of Saanich on May 4, 2013. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died in a motorcycle incident in the Victoria suburb of Saanich on May 4, 2013.

He was Alan Shang Fung Tam, aged 26, from Saanich.

Mr. Tam was the operator of a motorcycle that went off road to the right on Shelbourne Street just north of North Dairy Road about 11:15 p.m. on May 4, impacting a large tree. He was transported to Victoria General Hospital by ambulance, but was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after arrival.

The BC Coroners Service and Saanich Police continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Tam has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133

]]> BC Coroners Service confirms identity of victim in ATV incident tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5978 2013-05-06T20:10:00Z 2013-05-07T15:55:24Z The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a female who died following an ATV incident near Vanderhoof on May 4, 2013. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ PRINCE GEORGE - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a female who died following an ATV incident near Vanderhoof on May 4, 2013.

She was Angela Elizabeth Johnson, aged 28, of Cluculz Lake.

Ms. Johnson was the sole occupant of a quad ATV which tipped over on Jardine Road in the Cluculz Lake area shortly after 3 p.m. on May 4. Ms. Johnson was transported by ambulance to St. John Hospital in Vanderhoof, but died from her injuries.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

The family of Ms. Johnson has been notified of her death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253

]]> BC Coroners Service identifies motor vehicle incident victims tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5974 2013-04-30T17:25:00Z 2013-04-30T18:31:06Z The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identities of five people who died after being involved in a motor vehicle incident in Surrey on April 28, 2013. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ BURNABY - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identities of five people who died after being involved in a motor vehicle incident in Surrey on April 28, 2013.

The deceased are three adults and two children, all from Surrey:

Pawandeep Arjot, aged 31
Annish Sachdeva, aged five
Jessica Sachdeva, aged three
Neelam Rani Dhingra, aged 47
Vidya Wanti Sachdeva, aged 68

Ms. Arjot was the driver of, and the other four were passengers in, a car which was hit broadside by a mini-van at the intersection of 32nd Ave. and 176th Street (Pacific Highway) in Surrey at about 11 a.m. on April 28. All five were deceased at the scene.

Annish and Jessica were the children of Ms. Arjot and her husband. Ms. Dhingra was Ms. Arjot's sister-in-law and Vidya Sachdeva was her mother-in-law.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP Traffic Services continue to investigate this incident.

The families of the deceased have been notified of the deaths. On behalf of the families, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

The BC Coroners Service expresses its condolences to the families and friends of those involved in this tragic crash.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253

]]> Mufford overpass moves ahead to reduce congestion tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5883 2013-04-13T16:15:00Z 2013-04-15T18:30:22Z Construction will soon start on the Mufford/64th Ave at Highway 10 project to improve road safety and reduce the response time of emergency vehicles. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ LANGLEY- Construction will soon start on the Mufford/64th Ave at Highway 10 project to improve road safety and reduce the response time of emergency vehicles, while minimizing the impact on agriculture land in the Langley area. The Province has awarded the contract to Lafarge Canada.

The new rail overpass will also accommodate increasing volumes of international freight shipped through Lower Mainland communities, supporting the Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan goal of strengthening our infrastructure to get our goods to market.

Total funding for the project contributed by the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor (RBRC) partners is $51M:

  • $12.5M from the province,
  • $3.1M from federal government, 
  • $24M from TransLink,
  •  $9.3M from the Township of Langley, and
  • $2.1M from Port Metro Vancouver.

The Mufford project in Langley will eliminate an at-grade rail crossing to improve safety and road network reliability, and reduce delays and traffic congestion. The project also includes various other improvements to the 64th Avenue corridor from 204 Street to 216 Street to provide better road network connectivity and improve access to Glover Road and Highway 10.

The Mufford project is also one of nine in the $307-million Roberts Bank Rail Corridor (RBRC) Program throughout the Lower Mainland designed to relieve traffic congestion and improve public safety.

The RBRC is expected to carry increasing volumes of goods from around the world that we use here every day, as well as Canadian exports and is a key part of B.C.'s growing trade with Asia through Canada's Pacific Gateway. Pacific Gateway partners have committed $22 billion to expand and enhance port, rail, road, and airport infrastructure in the Pacific Gateway to meet those growing demands.

Quotes:

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak

"The Mufford overpass shows more progress on the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor improvements, which will reduce congestion and provide safer, more reliable access within communities along the corridor. It also means we can move our goods to markets, moving goods and people more efficiently."

Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman

"This overpass will increase safety for commuters, as well as function as a time-saver for people who use these routes on a daily basis. Furthermore, the Mufford overpass will boost our local economy, as it will provide a faster, more effective route."

Quick Facts:

The Roberts Bank Rail Corridor

  • The RBRC program comprises eight overpasses and one railway siding in a 70-kilometre stretch that connects Roberts Bank, which contains Canada's largest container facility (Deltaport) and coal terminal (Westshore), within the North American rail network.
  • This 70-kilometre international freight corridor carries up to 18 trains per day, many of them more than two kilometres long. The rail traffic is expected to increase to 28-38 trains per day by 2021.
  • The RBRC Program is funded by 12 public and private partners: Transport Canada, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, TransLink, Port Metro Vancouver, the Corporation of Delta, the City of Surrey, the City of Langley, the Township of Langley, CN, Canadian Pacific, BC Railway Company, and BNSF Railway.

Learn More:

http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

http://www.robertsbankrailcorridor.ca/proposed-projects/mufford-64th-avenue-at-hwy-10/_rbrc_project

Contact:

Robert Adam
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 413-7941

]]> Original and new plaques unveiled for Port Mann Bridge tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5830 2013-04-11T17:45:00Z 2013-04-22T21:22:42Z The two finishing touches on the new Port Mann Bridge - a 1964 commemorative plaque from the original bridge and a new plaque to mark the opening of the new crossing - were unveiled in a ceremony on the old bridge. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ COQUITLAM - The two finishing touches on the new Port Mann Bridge - a 1964 commemorative plaque from the original bridge and a new plaque to mark the opening of the new crossing - were unveiled today in a ceremony on the old bridge.

Both plaques will be mounted along the brand new Port Mann Bridge pedestrian and cycling path once the bridge is completed to its full 10-lane width.

The new plaque reads: "Dedicated to the thousands of builders, designers and visionaries responsible for the Port Mann / Highway 1 Project - the largest transportation infrastructure project in British Columbia's history; December 2012".

The original plaque was recovered from the first Port Mann Bridge where it was installed at the approach to the crossing. Crews are working to dismantle the original span so the new bridge can be completed to its final 10-lane width and the multi-user path for pedestrians and cyclists can be connected from Coquitlam to Surrey.

A traffic engineering survey that measured Highway 1 travel times before and after Port Mann Bridge construction was also released today. This survey confirmed drivers are experiencing significant time savings, with many commuters cutting their commute times by as much as half.

The survey shows drivers travelling between Langley and Vancouver have already eliminated 35 minutes from their overall trip. In fact, drivers during peak morning periods are reaching their final destination before they would have made it across the original five-lane Port Mann Bridge.

Drivers travelling between Surrey and Coquitlam on the new Port Mann Bridge are already cutting their commute time by nearly 60 per cent. These time savings are expected to increase even more once additional highway lanes and improvements west of the Brunette Avenue Interchange are finished.

Phase two of construction will continue on the Port Mann Bridge and along the Highway 1 corridor through 2013. Crews will keep working to complete the bridge to its full 10-lane capacity and continue highway widening and interchange improvements through Coquitlam, Burnaby and Vancouver.

When Phase Two of the project is complete and improvements to Highway 1 from Coquitlam to Vancouver are open to traffic, many drivers will be saving up to an hour a day.

Quote:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"Today, we are recognizing the original Port Mann Bridge while celebrating the difference the new Port Mann is making in the lives of commuters and goods movers. Thousands of builders, designers and visionaries were responsible for the construction of this new crossing, and this plaque will serve as a permanent reminder of our gratitude for building the widest bridge in the world and reducing our daily commute."

Learn More:

Learn more about the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project online at: www.pmh1project.com/Pages/default.aspx

Learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C. at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Greg Johnson
Communications Manager
Transportation Investment Corporation
778 783-1220

Original and new plaques unveiled for Port Mann Bridge

BACKGROUNDER

Port Mann Bridge time savings survey

The Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project will reduce congestion and improve access and safety along Highway 1 between Langley and Vancouver, reducing travel times by up to an hour per day for many commuters.

A traffic engineering firm was retained to measure pre-existing and current corridor travel times and to estimate future time savings upon project completion. All routes were travelled several times and tracked by GPS to accurately measure and estimate the average travel times.

To measure pre-existing travel times, the routes listed below were driven in peak traffic conditions prior to Dec. 1, 2012. To measure current travel times, the same routes were driven in peak conditions post-Dec. 1, 2012.

Future travel times reflect estimated travel times once the PMH1 Project is complete.

176th St. @ 96th Ave. to Brunette Ave. @ Lougheed - morning drive
Travel time before improvements: 35 minutes
Current travel time: 11 minutes
Estimated travel time at project completion: 10 minutes

Brunette Ave. @ Lougheed to 176th St. @ 96th Ave. - afternoon drive
Travel time before improvements: 17 minutes
Current travel time: 11 minutes
Estimated travel time at project completion: 10 minutes

200th St. @ 80th Ave. to Boundary Rd. @ Grandview - morning drive
Morning travel time before improvements: 68 minutes
Current travel time: 40 minutes
Estimated travel time at project completion: 23 minutes

Boundary Rd. @ Grandview to 200th St. @ 80th Ave. - afternoon drive
Morning travel time before improvements: 39 minutes
Current travel time: 32 minutes
Estimated travel time at project completion: 23 minutes

Contacts:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Greg Johnson
Communications Manager
Transportation Investment Corporation
778 783-1220

]]> South Fraser Perimeter Road turns trash to treasure tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5797 2013-04-10T16:45:00Z 2013-04-16T15:47:47Z An abandoned landfill has been transformed into prime industrial land and is now home to a local business in Delta. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ DELTA - An abandoned landfill has been transformed into prime industrial land and is now home to a local business in Delta.

This is a result of the innovative environmental design of the South Fraser Perimeter Road project and a strong partnership and shared vision between the government of B.C., the Corporation of Delta and local land owners.

A section of the SFPR runs through five landfill sites located south of the Fraser River and north of Burns Bog in Delta. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure worked with Delta, landowners and the Ministry of Environment to promote closure and redevelopment of the landfills during SFPR construction.

Through the Delta Landfill Renewal Project, an innovative underground leachate and methane gas collection system was built and designed to allow other landfill owners to connect to it and close their landfill sites. This project received a Consulting Engineers of BC 2012 award for Engineering Excellence.

As a result of this work, Ocean Trailer has rehabilitated the largest landfill in the area and has moved its business to the industrial land created by the landfill closures. In addition, new industrial land created by the SFPR landfill work is being leased to Ocean Trailer for trailer storage. The other four landfills in the area are in various stages of the closing process.

The SFPR project includes one of the largest environmental and agricultural mitigation and enhancement plans for a highway construction project of this size in British Columbia. In addition to the landfill site improvements, this commitment includes wildlife crossings, improvements in drainage to protect Burns Bog and fisheries habitat improvements.

The SFPR is a new approximately 40-kilometre, four-lane highway along the south side of the Fraser River. The eastern portion from Highway 1 at 176th St. to 136th St. opened in December 2012. The remainder, from 136th St. in Surrey to Deltaport Way in Delta, will open to traffic in December 2013.

The SFPR is a key piece of B.C.'s transportation network, which will generate economic growth by connecting key port, rail and highway infrastructure, making the province more competitive.

The SFPR supports Canada Starts Here - The BC Jobs Plan. The plan is working to expand markets for B.C. products, particularly in Asia, and strengthen infrastructure to get our goods to market. The project will improve economic and business opportunities and lead to 7,000 long-term jobs in Delta and Surrey through improved industrial development opportunities along the corridor. In addition, more than 4,000 jobs are being created during construction of the entire project.

The Government of Canada through the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative provided $365 million towards the $1.26 billion project. The government of B.C. contributed the remaining $899 million.

South Fraser Perimeter Road turns trash to treasure

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"The SFPR is more than a highway project; it includes one of the largest environmental and agricultural mitigation enhancement plans for a highway construction project of this size in B.C's history. This landfill renewal project is just one example of the work being done to protect the environment as part of the SFPR project. I commend Mayor Lois Jackson for her leadership and vision in bringing this project to fruition."

Minister of Environment Terry Lake -

"This valuable renewal project has transformed a construction wasteland into valuable industrial land, while providing the highest standards of environmental protection to the surrounding area, including Burns Bog and the Fraser River ecosystems. This is an environmental, agricultural and economic success story that will benefit communities and families for years to come."

Mayor of Delta Lois Jackson -

"I am very honoured to receive this recognition for Delta's role in seeing this former landfill site remediated and transformed into productive industrial land. Mr. Keay of Ocean Trailer is to be commended for taking on this very challenging project. With the considerable support of the provincial government and the Gateway Program, this collaborative effort has brought significant environmental, economic and social benefits to the area."

Ocean Trailer president Sid Keay -

"Seven years ago I was told that turning Delta Shake & Shingle Landfill into useable industrial land was impossible. Through simple cooperation and a common goal with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Environment and the Corporation of Delta we are standing on clean, green, industrial land today."

Learn More:

Watch a video about the history of the Landfill Closure Project: youtu.be/B0Ur8N0Unrg

For information about the SFPR project: www.sfprconstruction.ca

For information about SFPR environmental projects: bit.ly/12GLX2z

For a high resolution before and after graphic of the landfill: flic.kr/p/ea3B1T

For information about the SFPR and the Gateway Program: www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241


]]> Land transfer supports regional airport expansion tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5788 2013-04-09T21:00:00Z 2013-04-09T22:08:52Z A transfer of Crown land to the Town of Princeton provides for the future expansion of the regional airport and supports the ongoing prosperity of the region. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ PRINCETON - A transfer of Crown land to the Town of Princeton provides for the future expansion of the regional airport and supports the ongoing prosperity of the region, announced Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett today.

This Crown grant transfers approximately 21 hectares surrounding the Princeton Regional Airport. The land is an integral part of aircraft approach and take-off as its addition would allow for the expansion of the runway and facilities to increase airport capacity.

The Crown land being transferred is a portion of the property considered to be included when the federal government ceded ownership of the airport to the Town of Princeton in 1996. This Crown land grant corrects the oversight. The Princeton Regional Airport has been in operation for over 70 years and provides an important transportation link to the area.

Quotes:

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett -

"A goal of the B.C. government is to support actions that make our communities favourable to growth and development. Transferring this land will not only correct a past oversight, but provide for the future expansion of the airport which plays a central role in the vitality of the town and surrounding regions."

Mayor of Princeton Frank Armitage -

"We are grateful to the B.C. government for this Crown land grant to the Town of Princeton. Our town is one of the main gateways into the B.C. Southern Interior. This land transfer enables the expansion of our airport, which will enhance access to our community - making it more inviting to visitors and helping us boost our economy in the tourism and business sectors."

Quick Facts:

  • The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development has yearly allocations to sponsor Crown grants or nominal rent tenures for local governments and community organizations.
  • The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations manages the land transfer process, once a sponsoring ministry agrees to sponsor a grant of Crown land.
  • The value of the land for this project has been assessed at $180,000 and consists of 21 hectares.

Learn More:

For more information on sponsored Crown grants and nominal rent tenures and links to other sites with information, visit:http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/gov_structure/sponsored_crown_grants/index.htm

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677

]]> Government, Mayors' Council set targets for governance, funding tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5762 2013-04-08T16:45:00Z 2013-04-08T23:12:12Z The government of British Columbia and the Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation are combining forces to come up with sustainable and long-term transit solutions that meet the needs of families and communities. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VANCOUVER - The government of British Columbia and the Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation are combining forces to come up with sustainable and long-term transit solutions that meet the needs of families and communities.

The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation have agreed on a process to work together. The new process will outline findings and recommendations on how to move forward with governance and funding, as well as engaging the public. This will allow government to consider legislative changes in spring 2014.

In 2012, TransLink made substantial cost savings. However, even with those savings, the region needs new funding sources to expand service and meet growing demand.

The council has proposed several new funding sources. The minister and the council will also consider these sources and their work should lead to a better understanding of the funding options and what the public has to say about them.

Government will support funding tools that are affordable for families, regionally sourced, avoid negative effects on the economy, and capture benefits from the substantial investments made in Metro Vancouver's transportation system.

The council also has been expressing concerns about the governance structure for TransLink, and they recently commissioned an independent review of governance. The minister and council will develop governance options that work for all parties, including taxpayers in Metro Vancouver.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"The recent independent TransLink Governance Review points out there is more right than there is wrong with TransLink. There is a gap in the governance model that I believe can be addressed. Together with Mayor Walton and Mayor Wright, I have developed a solid process that will outline findings and recommendations on how to move forward on TransLink governance and funding. Demand for transit is growing and we need to find a solution."

Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation chair Richard Walton -

"Mayor Wright and I are confident this renewed support and focus by all levels of government will enable us to find solutions that will address the funding and governance challenges we are facing. There is no doubt that an effective and efficient transit service is a critical part of our transportation system, an important contributor to our economy and good for our environment. Residents of our communities rely on our services each and every day and we owe it to them to ensure we get this right."

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-8241

]]> Phase 2 of Monte Creek-Pritchard project moves forward tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5676 2013-04-03T21:45:00Z 2013-04-04T21:03:57Z Phase 2 of the project to improve safety on Highway 1 between Monte Creek and Pritchard is going to tender this week, with construction to begin this year. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ KAMLOOPS - Phase 2 of the project to improve safety on Highway 1 between Monte Creek and Pritchard is going to tender this week, with construction to begin this year.

Phase 2 of the Monte Creek to Pritchard project will widen a 7.5-kilometre section of Highway 1 to four lanes, with a grade-separated interchange at Pritchard. This work will improve safety and increase capacity and movement on this important route for commuters, commercial traffic and tourists.

Safety improvements include 2.5-metre-wide paved shoulders and a 2.6-metre-wide median with concrete barrier. There also will be improved access to the highway with turn lanes, deceleration lanes and new frontage roads. The new interchange at Pritchard will significantly improve access to and from the Trans-Canada Highway for local residents.

Phase 1 of the project, which widened a three-kilometre section of Highway 1 to four lanes between Monte Creek and Bostock Road, was completed in 2012. Phase 2 is scheduled for completion in 2014.

The total cost of the Monte Creek to Pritchard project is $49 million. The Government of Canada is contributing up to a maximum of $16.7 million through the Building Canada Fund. The government of B.C. is investing $32.3 million for this highway safety improvement.

The Highway 1 Monte Creek to Pritchard project is part of the Government of B.C.'s commitment to invest $650 million over 10 years into Highway 1 between Kamloops and the Alberta border. The Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta Four-Laning Program will create 3,300 direct jobs over the next 10 years.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"This work supports our government's commitment to improve Highway 1 between Kamloops and the Alberta border. A wider, divided highway will improve safety for local families and other highway users, and will make one of our key trade corridors that much more reliable."

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake -

"Improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway east of Kamloops will make for better connections between local communities, and reduce travel times along the Trans-Canada Highway during peak travel periods. Making Highway 1 safer and more reliable is a priority for our government."

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger -

"Highway 1 between Monte Creek and Pritchard is very busy, particularly in the summer months. When complete, this section of Highway 1 will be safer for local residents and visitors to our region, and our province's main east-west link will be much improved."

Learn More:

Learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C. at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

Follow the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

]]> RapidBus BC coming to West Kelowna tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5659 2013-04-02T19:45:00Z 2013-04-05T19:22:06Z RapidBus BC is coming to West Kelowna, making it easier and faster for families and commuters to travel. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ WEST KELOWNA - RapidBus BC is coming to West Kelowna, making it easier and faster for families and commuters to travel. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer.

Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart was joined by West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater and BC Transit chief operating officer and vice-president of operations Mike Davis to announce the start of construction and a series of open houses, which will be held over the next few days at locations throughout the Westside. Residents are encouraged to view artistic renderings of the new exchanges, maps of the RapidBus BC expansion and to offer their input on the design phase of the project.

The West Kelowna expansion includes construction of two new transit exchanges at Westbank Centre and Boucherie Mountain. This service will begin in summer 2014 and will connect to the existing RapidBus BC service between downtown and UBCO.

Once complete, the entire Kelowna RapidBus BC project will include six new or improved exchanges, four new stations, branded shelters and real-time passenger information displays. RapidBus BC ridership has grown almost 10 per cent between downtown Kelowna and UBCO since the service began in 2010.

The Kelowna RapidBus project will spur economic development in communities and improve transportation options for families. In total, the project will receive up to $46 million from federal, provincial and local partners.

The Government of Canada is contributing up to $10.9 million from the Building Canada Fund and another $6 million from the Gas Tax Fund. The government of British Columbia will provide $23.9 million, the City of Kelowna $5.2 million, and West Kelowna is contributing land.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has made unprecedented investments in infrastructure. Between 2006 and 2014, British Columbia will receive more than $1.56 billion from the Gas Tax Fund to improve local infrastructure. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in British Columbia, in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.

Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a new Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail, and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories, and municipalities. The new Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, supports Canada's infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.

In September 2012, the B.C. government released its response to the Independent BC Transit Review. BC Transit is committed to greater consultation and collaboration with its local government partners.

Quotes:

Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart -

"RapidBus is revolutionizing transit in the Okanagan. Ridership has grown nearly ten per cent since service began in 2010, and once the whole project is complete, RapidBus will provide 30 kilometers of service between West Kelowna and UBCO."

"Bringing RapidBus to West Kelowna will improve travel time with fast, direct service, and it will get people out of their cars, which will help reduce traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

District of West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater -

"RapidBus is a key part of our Westbank Centre Revitalization Strategy; we are so pleased to see this move ahead. We welcome the opportunity for public input and encourage citizens to attend the upcoming open houses in West Kelowna."

BC Transit vice president and chief operating officer Mike Davis -

"Kelowna's RapidBus is a project BC Transit takes great pride in. With regional support, RapidBus is growing and our customers will benefit from a more efficient and effective transit system."

Open House Schedule:

Visit the Transit Future Bus at any of the following locations and times:

Tuesday, April 2
|Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary
2751 Cameron Rd.
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 3
Save-on Foods
2475 Dobbin Rd.
9 a.m. - 12 noon

Wednesday, April 3
Westbank Centre
3717 Elliott Rd.
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 3
Mount Boucherie Community Complex
2760 Cameron Rd.
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 4
Okanagan Lake Shopping Centre
Highway 97 at Westside Rd.
10 a.m. - 12 noon

Thursday, April 4
Boucherie Mountain
Super 8 Hotel at Westgate Rd.
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Learn more:

For additional information about investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with web feeds, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/

For information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca

For information on the government of British Columbia, visit: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/Transit_Plan

For information on BC Transit, visit: http://www.bctransit.com/transitfuture/kelrapidbus_latestupdates.cfm

For information on the District of West Kelowna, visit: http://www.districtofwestkelowna.ca/index.aspx?page=604

For information on Kelowna RapidBus, visit: http://www.kelownarapidbus.ca

Media Contacts:

Kate Trotter
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-8241

Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613 991-0700

Kirsten Jones
District of West Kelowna
778 797-2253

Meribeth Burton
BC Transit
250 507-8145

]]> Second Phase of Massey Tunnel consultation ends April 2 tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5649 2013-03-30T16:30:00Z 2013-03-30T21:54:15Z British Columbians have until Tuesday, April 2 to provide input for the second phase of public consultation for the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VANCOUVER - British Columbians have until Tuesday, April 2 to provide input for the second phase of public consultation for the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project.

Phase 2 consultation seeks input on a draft project scope and goals, evaluation criteria and five potential replacement scenarios, all of which have been developed in consideration of Phase 1 input and ongoing technical analysis.

The public's input will help determine which scenarios the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure takes forward for additional technical analysis. A series of three public open houses have concluded, but users of the Massey Tunnel can still provide input through the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project website at: www.masseytunnel.ca

The project website contains all consultation materials, including display boards, a discussion guide and a feedback form that you can use to have your say. This input will help determine the most appropriate solution to ensure Highway 99 continues to serve as a key component of the provincial transportation network.

Following Phase 2 consultation, the ministry will prepare a Consultation Summary Report and continue with detailed technical analysis in preparation for future consultation.

The existing four-lane George Massey Tunnel opened in 1959 and now carries over 80,000 vehicles each day.

The tunnel has 10 to 15 years of useful life remaining before major components will need to be replaced, so it's important to begin planning now to ensure a solution will be in place when needed.

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241


]]> Government promotes sustainable transit for college, university students tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5648 2013-03-30T16:15:00Z 2013-04-02T23:26:35Z The government of British Columbia is extending U-Pass BC to encourage students at public colleges and universities in Metro Vancouver to use transit. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VANCOUVER - The government of British Columbia is extending U-Pass BC to encourage students at public colleges and universities in Metro Vancouver to use transit.

Government has committed $34.5 million to help TransLink offset the cost of the U-Pass BC program over the next three years. U-Pass BC provides highly discounted transit passes to 140,000 students attending public post-secondary schools. The program is a partnership of the provincial government, TransLink, students and their schools.

The current U-Pass BC program will expire March 31, 2013. Following required referenda, students at 10 schools have voted "yes" to continuing the program for an additional three years.

Starting May 2013, the monthly U-Pass rate will be $35. Students also voted to allow the program price to increase to $36.75 per month beginning May 1, 2014, and $38 per month beginning May 1, 2015. The renewed U-Pass BC program can save students between $56 and $135 every month over the next three years.

U-Pass BC provides students in Metro Vancouver with unlimited access to the transit network and encourages the use of sustainable travel options.

B.C. is the only province in Canada that provides a universal transit program to students attending public post-secondary schools.

Quotes:

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak -

"B.C. is the only province in the country to support this kind of program, and I am committed to providing funds for another three years to help students lower their cost of post-secondary education by encouraging them to take transit."

TransLink CEO Ian Jarvis -

"U-Pass BC provides tremendous value for our students. It provides access to our transit network which includes bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain services within Metro Vancouver, as well as discounts on West Coast Express. In doing so, we are encouraging students to adopt transit as an effective choice subsequent to graduation."

Douglas College vice-president of educational services Blaine Jensen -

"Students love their U-Pass BC and Post-Secondary Educational Institutions benefit by having a greener alternative to parking lots and more cars on campus. In the next year, U-Pass BC will be integrated with TransLink's Compass Card and provide even better value to students as well as administrative relief to institutions. Collaboration has been the key!"

University of British Columbia Alma Mater Society vice-president external affairs Tanner Bokor -

"The renewal of the U-Pass BC program marks a commitment by TransLink, the ministry, and students to provide all post-secondary institutions across Metro Vancouver with access to a high quality, sustainable public transit system. Through the continuation of the program, we are reducing our carbon footprint and encouraging a future generation of commuters to use public transit. At the same time, the regional transit network needs a sustainable funding formula as well as new transit infrastructure to handle future rider demand and to drive our economy forward."

Kwantlen Student Association external affairs coordinator Arzo Ansary -

"The Kwantlen Student Association is extremely pleased at the combined efforts of student unions during this negotiation process. We are proud to see the continuation of a program as beneficial to students as U-Pass BC has proved to be. The continuation of affordable and accessible transit services ensures increased ridership, which is a goal we as student leaders strive for."

Douglas College Students' Union external affairs coordinator Jillian Griffin -

"U-Pass BC has become an integral part of getting an education because it encourages students to make sustainable transit choices while saving them money. Students' overwhelming support of continuing the U-Pass BC program into 2016 is a clear sign of the importance of the program."

Quick Facts:

In 2010, B.C. became the first province in Canada to offer an affordable, universal transit program to students at all publicly funded post-secondary institutions. Prior to 2010, only four schools in Metro Vancouver had access to U-Pass and prices varied between the schools. In addition, the cost of the program was unsustainable to TransLink.

Students at these schools will have access to U-Pass BC cards and reduced transit fares:

  • British Columbia Institute of Technology
  • Capilano University
  • Douglas College
  • Emily Carr University of Art and Design
  • Kwantlen Polytechnic University
  • Langara College
  • Nicola Valley Institute of Technology - Burnaby Campus
  • Simon Fraser University
  • University of British Columbia
  • Vancouver Community College

Outside of Metro Vancouver, BC Transit also offers U-Pass BC in partnership with local governments.

Learn More:

www.translink.ca/u-pass

Media Contacts:

Kate Trotter
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-8241

TransLink
604 803-3199

Tiffany Kalanj
Executive Director
Students' Union of Vancouver Community College
604 916-7376


]]> Major investments to improve Highway 97 at South Taylor Hill tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5643 2013-03-28T23:45:00Z 2013-03-29T02:08:31Z The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced a funding commitment of $26 million to expand and upgrade Highway 97 at South Taylor Hill, just south of Taylor, between Fort St. John and Dawson Creek. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ FORT ST. JOHN - The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced a funding commitment today of $26 million to expand and upgrade Highway 97 at South Taylor Hill, just south of Taylor, between Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.

This project will widen Highway 97 at the base of South Taylor Hill to four lanes, south from Taylor Bridge for two kilometres. Improvements will be made to the intersections of Big Bam and Johnson Roads, and a larger truck chain-up area will be built to ensure truckers have a safe place to put on chains in the winter months. The slopes above the highway will also be contoured to enhance slope stability.

These improvements will make travel on Highway 97 at South Taylor Hill safer for residents and tourists and more efficient for industrial traffic serving the natural gas, forestry and agricultural sectors in the region.

"These improvements to the South Taylor Hill section of the Alaska Highway have been long-awaited and will greatly improve road safety for residents and travellers alike," said Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George - Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "Our government is proud to provide significant funding for this project as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada."

The Government of Canada is setting aside up to $10.75 million through the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component for this project, with the Province of British Columbia providing $15.25 million, for a total project cost of $26 million.

Federal funding under the Major Infrastructure Component is conditional upon the completion of a review of the project, the completion of environmental assessments and the signing of a contribution agreement.

The project will go to tender in Fall 2013, with construction starting in Spring 2014 and scheduled for completion by Fall 2015. This work will build on the $800 million invested in highway improvements in the Peace Region since 2001.

"Everyone who lives in and travels through the Peace Region understands the importance of the Highway 97 corridor to our livelihoods," said Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom, on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak. "Safety on B.C. highways is a priority, and this expansion and upgrade at South Taylor Hill will significantly increase safety for local traffic, for tourists and for commercial traffic supporting B.C.'s natural gas, forestry and agricultural sectors."

Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a new Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail, and other public infrastructure in co-operation with provinces, territories, and municipalities. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 950,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. The new Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, supports Canada's infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.

Learn More:

For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with web feeds, visit: www.infrastructure.gc.ca

To find out what the Government of Canada is doing to promote jobs, growth and prosperity, visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca

Learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C. at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/.

Media Contacts:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure, Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
613 991-0700

Infrastructure Canada
613 960-9251
Toll free: 1 877 250-7154

NEWS RELEASE

D'IMPORTANTS INVESTISSEMENTS POUR AMÉLIORER LA ROUTE 97 À SOUTH TAYLOR HILL

FORT ST. JOHN - Les gouvernements du Canada et de la Colombie-Britannique ont annoncé aujourd'hui un engagement financier de 26 millions de dollars pour agrandir et moderniser la route 97 à South Taylor Hill, juste au sud de Taylor, entre Fort St. John et Dawson Creek.

Le projet permettra d'élargir la route 97 sur la partie inférieure de South Taylor Hill, qui comportera désormais quatre voies, au sud du pont Taylor sur une distance de deux kilomètres. Des améliorations seront apportées aux intersections des chemins Big Bam et Johnson, et une aire plus vaste sera aménagée afin que l'endroit pour poser des chaînes sur les pneus des camions en hiver soit sécuritaire. Les pentes surplombant la route seront également redessinées afin d'améliorer la stabilité des pentes.

Ces améliorations rendront les déplacements plus sécuritaires sur la route 97 à South Taylor Hill pour les résidants et pour les touristes, en plus d'accroître l'efficacité des déplacements des véhicules industriels desservant les secteurs du gaz naturel, de l'exploitation forestière et de l'agriculture dans la région.

" On attend depuis longtemps ces améliorations à la partie de South Taylor Hill de la route de l'Alaska, qui amélioreront considérablement la sécurité des résidants et des visiteurs, a déclaré Bob Zimmer, député de Prince George-Peace River, au nom de l'honorable Denis Lebel, ministre des Transports, de l'Infrastructure et des Collectivités. " Notre gouvernement est fier d'offrir un financement considérable dans le cadre de ce projet, alors que nous mettons l'accent sur la création d'emplois, la promotion de la croissance et l'édification de collectivités fortes et prospères, partout au Canada. "

Le gouvernement du Canada réserve jusqu'à 10,75 millions de dollars aux termes du volet Grandes infrastructures du Fonds Chantiers Canada pour ce projet, et la Province de la Colombie-Britannique verse une contribution de 15,25 millions de dollars, pour des coûts totaux de 26 millions de dollars dans le cadre du projet.

Le financement fédéral versé aux termes du volet Grandes infrastructures est conditionnel à l'examen du projet, aux évaluations environnementales et à la signature d'une entente de contribution.

Le projet fera l'objet d'un appel d'offres au cours de l'automne 2013, et les travaux de construction commenceront au printemps 2014 et devraient prendre fin d'ici l'automne 2015. Ces travaux s'appuieront sur les 800 millions de dollars investis dans les améliorations routières dans la région de la rivière de la Paix depuis 2001.

" Tous les résidants et les visiteurs de la région de la rivière Peace comprennent l'importance du corridor de la route 97 pour notre qualité de vie, a souligné Blair Lekstrom, député provincial de Peace River Sud, au nom de Mary Polak, ministre des Transports et de l'Infrastructure. La sécurité est prioritaire sur les routes de la Colombie-Britannique, et ces travaux d'agrandissement et de modernisation de South Taylor Hill permettront d'accroître considérablement la sécurité pour les automobilistes de la région, pour les touristes et pour les véhicules commerciaux desservant les secteurs du gaz naturel, de l'exploitation forestière et de l'agriculture de la province. "

Le Plan d'action économique de 2013 met en place un nouveau plan Chantiers Canada pour construire des routes, des ponts, des métros, des trains de banlieue et d'autres infrastructures publiques en collaboration avec les provinces, les territoires et les municipalités. Grâce au leadership du gouvernement du Canada ainsi qu'aux solides assises économiques et financières du pays, l'économie canadienne s'est mieux rétablie de la récession mondiale que la plupart des autres pays industrialisés. Le Canada a fait figure de chef de file parmi les pays du G-7 pendant la période de rétablissement économique grâce à la création de plus de 950 000 nouveaux emplois nets depuis juillet 2009. Le nouveau plan Chantiers Canada, combiné à d'autres investissements fédéraux dans les infrastructures, permet de maintenir l'avantage du Canada en matière d'infrastructures, lequel constitue un catalyseur clé de la croissance économique et de la création d'emplois.

Pour en savoir plus sur les investissements fédéraux dans les infrastructures et pour suivre nos fils Web, rendez-vous à www.infrastructure.gc.ca. Pour découvrir ce que fait le gouvernement du Canada pour promouvoir les emplois, la croissance et la prospérité, visitez le site www.plandaction.gc.ca.

Pour en savoir plus sur les projets de transport qui ont lieu en Colombie-Britannique, rendez-vous à www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/.

Consultez le site Web de la province de la Colombie-Britannique à www.gov.bc.ca/connect.

Pour obtenir des renseignements additionnels, communiquez avec :

Geneviève Sicard
Cabinet du ministre des Transports, de l'Infrastructure et des Collectivités, ministre de l'Agence de développement économique du Canada pour les régions du Québec, et ministre des affaires intergouvernementales.
613 991-0700

Kate Trotter
Communications du gouvernement et Engagement du public
Ministère des Transports et de l'Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Infrastructure Canada
613 960-9251
Sans frais : 1 877 250-7154

]]> Highway 97 improvements to bring better road conditions for Kelowna drivers tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5638 2013-03-28T21:15:00Z 2013-03-28T22:29:41Z The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced new funding for the expansion and upgrade of over 4.5 kilometres of Highway 97 through Kelowna. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ (disponible en français en bas de page)

KELOWNA - The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced new funding today for the expansion and upgrade of over 4.5 kilometres of Highway 97 through Kelowna.

This project will widen Highway 97 between Highway 33 and Edwards Road from four to six lanes and upgrade intersections along the same stretch. Widening the highway and reconstructing congested intersections will increase capacity, make travel safer and better connect the downtown core with the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus.

These improvements will also benefit commuters to areas north of downtown including the Quail Ridge residential area, the Kelowna Airport and the Industrial Park.

"Investments in Canada's public infrastructure create jobs, economic growth and provide a high quality of life for families in every city and community across the country," said Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna - Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "Highway 97 upgrades in Kelowna will help residents and visitors reach their destinations safely and more efficiently for years to come."

"This $50-million project will build on the improvements done to Highway 97 through Kelowna over the last number of years," said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick, on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak. "This work will improve traffic flow at the northern entrance to the city, and make for more efficient and safer connections to UBCO, Quail Ridge, Rutland, Glenmore, Ellison, Lake Country and beyond for motorists, cyclists and transit users."

The Government of Canada is setting aside up to $18 million through the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component for this project, with the Province of British Columbia providing $32.2 million, for a total project cost of $50.2 million. Federal funding is conditional on the project meeting all of the requirements under the Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement with the province.

Preliminary work is underway. Construction is expected to begin in 2014 and should be completed by fall 2016. This work will build on the $1.3 billion invested in highway improvements in the Thompson-Okanagan since 2001.

Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a new Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail, and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories, and municipalities. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries.

Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 950,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. The new Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, supports Canada's infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.

For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with web feeds, visit: www.infrastructure.gc.ca

To find out what the Government of Canada is doing to promote jobs, growth and prosperity, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca

Learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C. at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

For more information, contact:

Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613 991-0700

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Infrastructure Canada
613 960-9251
Toll free: 1 877 250-7154

NEWS RELEASE / COMMUNIQUÉ

Des améliorations apportées à la route 97 favoriseront les conditions routières des automobilistes de Kelowna

KELOWNA - Aujourd'hui, les gouvernements du Canada et de la Colombie-Britannique ont annoncé un nouveau financement visant des travaux d'agrandissement et d'amélioration de la route 97, sur une distance de 4,5 kilomètres, dans Kelowna.

Ce projet permettra d'élargir la route 97, entre la route 33 et le chemin Edwards, de quatre à six voies et d'améliorer les intersections de cette même section. Les travaux d'élargissement de la route et de réfection des intersections congestionnées permettront d'accroître la capacité, de rendre les déplacements plus sécuritaires, et de faciliter le trajet entre le centre-ville et le campus Okanagan de l'Université de la Colombie-Britannique.

Ces améliorations profiteront également aux personnes qui effectuent la navette vers les zones se situant au nord du centre-ville, y compris le secteur résidentiel de Quail Ridge, l'aéroport de Kelowna et le parc industriel.

" Les investissements dans les infrastructures publiques canadiennes créent des emplois, favorisent la croissance économique et offrent une meilleure qualité de vie pour les familles dans chaque ville et chaque collectivité du Canada, a déclaré Ron Cannan, député de Kelowna - Lake Country, au nom de l'honorable Denis Lebel, ministre des Transports, de l'Infrastructure et des Collectivités. " Les améliorations de la route 97 à Kelowna aideront les résidants et les visiteurs à se déplacer de manière sécuritaire et avec une efficacité accrue pour les années à venir. "

" Ce projet de 50 millions de dollars s'appuiera sur les améliorations qui ont été apportées à la route 97 à Kelowna au cours de ces dernières années, a indiqué Norm Letnick, député de Kelowna-Lake Country, au nom de Mary Polak, ministre des Transports et de l'Infrastructure. Ces travaux permettront d'améliorer la circulation routière à l'entrée nord de la ville, en plus d'accroître la sécurité et l'efficacité des déplacements vers le campus Okanagan de l'Université de la Colombie-Britannique, Quail Ridge, Rutland, Glenmore, Ellison, Lake Country et bien au-delà pour les automobilistes, les cyclistes et les usagers du transport en commun. "

Le gouvernement du Canada réserve pour ce projet jusqu'à 18 millions de dollars aux termes du volet Grandes infrastructures du Fonds Chantiers Canada, alors que la Province de la Colombie-Britannique verse une contribution de 32,2 millions de dollars, pour des coûts totaux de projet de 50,2 millions de dollars. Le financement fédéral est conditionnel au respect, dans le cadre du projet, de toutes les exigences aux termes du Fonds Chantiers Canada, ainsi qu'à la signature d'une entente de contribution avec la Province.

Les travaux préliminaires sont présentement en cours. La construction devrait débuter en 2014 et prendre fin d'ici l'automne 2016. Les travaux s'appuieront sur 1,3 milliard de dollars investi depuis 2001 dans l'amélioration de la route Thompson-Okanagan.

Le Plan d'action économique de 2013 met en place un nouveau plan Chantiers Canada pour construire des routes, des ponts, des métros, des trains de banlieue et d'autres infrastructures publiques en collaboration avec les provinces, les territoires et les municipalités. Grâce au leadership du gouvernement du Canada ainsi qu'aux solides assises économiques et financières du pays, l'économie canadienne s'est mieux rétablie de la récession mondiale que la plupart des autres pays industrialisés. Le Canada a fait figure de chef de file parmi les pays du G-7 pendant la période de rétablissement économique grâce à la création de plus de 950 000 nouveaux emplois nets depuis juillet 2009. Le nouveau plan Chantiers Canada, combiné à d'autres investissements fédéraux dans les infrastructures, permet de maintenir l'avantage du Canada en matière d'infrastructures, lequel constitue un catalyseur clé de la croissance économique et de la création d'emplois.

Pour en savoir plus sur les investissements fédéraux dans les infrastructures et pour suivre nos fils Web, rendez-vous à www.infrastructure.gc.ca. Pour découvrir ce que fait le gouvernement pour promouvoir les emplois, la croissance et la prospérité, visitez le site www.plandaction.gc.ca.

Pour en savoir plus sur les projets de transport qui ont lieu en Colombie-Britannique, rendez-vous à www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/.

Pour obtenir des renseignements additionnels, communiquez avec:

Geneviève Sicard
Cabinet du ministre des Transports, de l'Infrastructure et des Collectivités
613 991-0700

Kate Trotter
Communications du gouvernement et Engagement du public
Ministère des Transports et de l'Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Sans frais : 1 877 250-7154


]]> Highway 11 upgrade benefits border and commercial traffic tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5636 2013-03-28T20:15:00Z 2013-03-28T20:50:03Z A major upgrade to Highway 11 south of Highway 1 will relieve congestion and support cross-border travel and trade, while improving safety along this important road and rail corridor. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ (disponible en français en bas de page)

ABBOTSFORD - A major upgrade to Highway 11 south of Highway 1 will relieve congestion and support cross-border travel and trade, while improving safety along this important road and rail corridor.

The NEXUS lane to the U.S. border will be extended 1.8 kilometres to improve the flow of traffic to the border for families and commercial drivers. As part of these improvements, a two-lane overpass over the Southern Rail and CP Rail lines will be constructed on Vye Road to improve safety and reduce congestion at the existing crossing. A new crossing of both rail lines will be built along McConnell Road, connecting Riverside Road to Highway 11.

The $25-million project is being jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of B.C. and the City of Abbotsford.

This project will improve access to local commercial developments between Highway 11 and Riverside Road, and provide an alternate route along the Vye Road/8th Avenue corridor, facilitating access to both the Aldergrove and Huntington border crossings.

The Government of Canada is setting aside up to $8.33 million through the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component for this project, with the Province of British Columbia and the City of Abbotsford also contributing $8.33 million each.

Federal funding under the Major Infrastructure Component is conditional upon the completion of a review of the project, the completion of environmental assessments and the signing of a contribution agreement.

The project is in the preliminary engineering phase and is expected to go to construction in 2014, with completion in the fall of 2016.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has made unprecedented investments in public infrastructure. Through the Gas Tax Fund alone, the government has invested over $10 billion in transfers for local infrastructure priorities. Making this fund permanent at $2 billion annually is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan - a plan to help create good jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. Between 2006 and 2014, the Province of British Columbia will receive more than $1.56 billion from the Gas Tax Fund to direct towards its local infrastructure priorities.

Quotes:

The Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway, the Honourable Ed Fast -

"Safe, modern and efficient highways and local roads are essential to ensuring the quality of life of local residents, transporting goods to market and encouraging visitors to our communities. By investing in this important project, the Government of Canada is creating jobs and improving the quality of life in Abbotsford and in communities across Canada."

Abbotsford-West MLA Mike de Jong on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak -

"This work will help improve safety and access to commercial interests within the area and make for more efficient travel along Highway 11. The increased traffic numbers clearly indicate that this project is much needed, and this work will be a valuable addition to our local transportation infrastructure."

City of Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman -

"As the community of Abbotsford and the entire Fraser Valley region have grown in recent decades, we've seen this vital transportation corridor become more and more congested, which hampers our local economy. This long-term solution is going to bring major improvements in traffic flow, safety, and in traveling ease, saving both time and money."

Learn More:

For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with web feeds, visit: www.infrastructure.gc.ca

To find out what the Government of Canada is doing to promote jobs, growth and prosperity, visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca

Learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C. at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

Media Contacts:

Kate Trotter
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure, Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
613 991-0700

Infrastructure Canada
613 960-9251
Toll free: 1 877 250-7154

NEWS RELEASE COMMUNIQUÉ

Les améliorations de la route 11 faciliteront la circulation commerciale et aux frontières

ABBOTSFORD - D'importants travaux d'amélioration de la route 11, au sud de la route 1, permettront de réduire la congestion et de faciliter les déplacements et le commerce transfrontaliers, tout en améliorant la sécurité le long de cet important corridor routier et ferroviaire.

La voie NEXUS menant à la frontière américaine sera prolongée de 1,8 kilomètre afin d'améliorer la circulation vers la frontière pour les familles et les véhicules commerciaux. Dans le cadre de ces améliorations, un passage supérieur à deux voies, au-dessus des voies ferrées de Southern Rail et du CP, sera aménagé sur le chemin Vye pour améliorer la sécurité et pour réduire la congestion routière à l'intersection existante. Une nouvelle voie d'accès permettant de traverser les deux chemins de fer sera construite le long du chemin McConnell, afin de relier le chemin Riverside et la route 11.

Le projet de 25 millions de dollars est financé conjointement par le gouvernement du Canada, la province de la Colombie-Britannique et la Ville d'Abbotsford.

Ce projet permettra d'améliorer l'accès aux développements commerciaux locaux situés entre la route 11 et le chemin Riverside, en plus d'offrir une autre option de trajet aux automobilistes le long du corridor du chemin Vye et de la 8e Avenue, ce qui facilitera l'accès aux passages frontaliers à Aldergrove et à Huntington.

Le gouvernement du Canada réserve au maximum 8,33 millions de dollars aux termes du volet Grandes infrastructures du Fonds Chantiers Canada pour ce projet, alors que la province de la Colombie-Britannique et la Ville d'Abbotsford versent chacune une contribution de 8,33 millions de dollars.

Le financement fédéral versé aux termes du volet Grandes infrastructures est conditionnel à l'examen du projet, aux évaluations environnementales et à la signature d'une entente de contribution.

Le projet en est à l'étape préliminaire d'ingénierie, et les travaux de construction devraient commencer en 2014 et se terminer au cours de l'automne 2016.

Depuis 2006, le gouvernement du Canada a fait des investissements sans précédent dans les infrastructures publiques. Uniquement aux termes du Fonds de la taxe sur l'essence, le gouvernement a investi plus de 10 milliards de dollars en transferts pour les priorités locales en matière d'infrastructure. On a fait de ce fonds une mesure permanente, à raison de 2 milliards de dollars par année, dans le cadre du Plan d'action économique du Canada - un plan visant à créer de bons emplois, à soutenir la croissance économique et à favoriser la croissance à long terme. Entre 2006 et 2014, la province de la Colombie-Britannique recevra plus de 1,56 milliard de dollars du Fonds de la taxe sur l'essence pour ses priorités locales en matière d'infrastructure.

Citations:

Le ministre du Commerce international et ministre de la porte d'entrée de l'Asie-Pacifique, l'honorable Ed Fast:

"Les autoroutes et les routes locales sécuritaires, modernes et efficaces sont essentielles pour assurer la qualité de vie des résidants, pour faciliter le transport des biens vers les marchés et pour encourager les gens à visiter nos collectivités. En investissant dans cet important projet, le gouvernement du Canada crée des emplois et améliore la qualité de vie à Abbotsford et dans les collectivités du Canada."

Le député provincial d'Abbotsford-Ouest, Mike de Jong, au nom de la ministre des Transports et de l'Infrastructure, Mary Polak:

"Ces travaux permettront d'améliorer la sécurité et l'accessibilité des zones commerciales du secteur, en plus de favoriser l'efficacité des déplacements sur la route 11. L'augmentation du nombre de véhicules sur nos routes indique clairement que ce projet est nécessaire, et les résultats de ces travaux seront un précieux ajout à nos infrastructures locales des transports."

Le maire de la Ville d'Abbotsford, Bruce Banman:

"Comme la collectivité d'Abbotsford et l'ensemble de la vallée du Fraser ont connu une croissance importante au cours des dernières décennies, nous avons constaté la congestion de plus en plus marquée de ce corridor de transport essentiel, ce qui nuit à l'économie locale. Cette solution à long terme améliorera considérablement la circulation, la sécurité et l'efficacité des déplacements, ce qui nous permettra d'économiser temps et argent."

Pour en savoir plus sur les investissements fédéraux dans les infrastructures et pour suivre nos fils Web, visitez le site www.infrastructure.gc.ca. Pour découvrir ce que le gouvernement du Canada fait pour promouvoir l'emploi, la croissance et la prospérité, rendez-vous à: www.plandaction.gc.ca

Pour en savoir plus sur les projets de transport en Colombie-Britannique, rendez-vous à: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

Visitez le site de la province de la Colombie-Britannique à www.gov.bc.ca/connect

Pour en savoir plus:

Geneviève Sicard
Cabinet du ministre des Transports, de l'Infrastructure et des Collectivités, ministre de l'Agence de développement économique du Canada pour les régions du Québec, et ministre des Affaires intergouvernementales
613 991-0700

Kate Trotter
Agente des Affaires publiques
Ministère des Transports et de l'Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Infrastructure Canada
613 960-9251
Sans frais : 1 877 250-7154


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