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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
COQUITLAM –Transportation Minister
Kevin Falcon and TransLink chair Dale Parker announced today that the
Evergreen Rapid Transit Line will be constructed on the northwest route,
connecting Lougheed Town Centre with Coquitlam Town Centre through Port Moody.
“On
Feb. 1, when we joined with TransLink to release the Evergreen Line Business
Case, we asked the mayors and councils in the northeast sector for their
feedback on the outlined route options for the Evergreen Line,” said Falcon.
“Municipal councils in Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Burnaby, New
Westminster and Belcarra have all voiced their support for the northwest
route.”
“We certainly heard loud and clear from the very communities which the
Evergreen Line is meant to serve,” said Parker. “The northwest corridor has not
only technical advantages, but also widespread public and local government
support. We now need to roll up our sleeves and get the project built.”
As
announced in February, the Evergreen Line will use advanced light rapid transit
(ALRT), technology, which is automated and separated from traffic.
“Now that we have decided on routing and technology for the Evergreen
Line, we can proceed with project development and engineering to keep on track
for planned 2014 completion,” said Falcon. “This important stage will include
detailed procurement analysis and further environmental assessment work,
including broad public consultation.”
One
of the first orders of business will be the location and establishment of an
Evergreen Line Project office in the Coquitlam area. The project partners will
work from this new office to proceed with project development, preliminary
design and detailed design, all entailing extensive, meaningful consultation
with neighbourhood residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.
The Evergreen Line is
an estimated $1.4-billion project. Through its recent Transit Plan, the B.C.
government has committed to investing $410 million in the project, and
TransLink has committed $400 million to date. Through the Public Transit
Capital Trust 2008, the Government of Canada has provided $67 million to the
Province for public transit infrastructure, and these funds will be dedicated to
the Evergreen Line.
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Contact: |
Tamara Little Communications Director Ministry of Transportation 250 387-7787 250 889-1825 (cell) |
Peter Louwe Manager Media Relations and Communications TransLink 604 216-3212 |
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