CANADA-BC PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND TRANSIT & CREATE JOBS

VANCOUVER –Lower Mainland transit users will benefit from SkyTrain and West Coast Express enhancements, thanks to a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of B.C. and TransLink, announced Premier Gordon Campbell, Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and TransLink Chair Dale Parker.

Through this partnership, the Government of Canada and the Province of B.C. have identified several major transit projects, valued at $280 million, as priorities for infrastructure funding.

The federal government is setting aside up to $88.3 million, which will amount to a maximum of 33 per cent of eligible costs for the selected transit projects. The BC government is contributing over $118 million, with the balance coming from TransLink and local government partners.

“Every job counts, and this investment partnership will help to create up to 1,700 jobs and deliver important transit system upgrades that give people options for getting out of their cars,” said Premier Campbell. “We are making unprecedented investments in new and expanded transit in the Lower Mainland and across the province as we work towards the goal of doubling transit ridership in B.C. by 2020.”

“Our Government is working with provincial partners to keep our economy moving, create new jobs and improve residents’ daily commute,” said Minister Day. “These investments will help Canada emerge from this economic downturn with a more modern and greener infrastructure that will be the foundation of sustainable long-term economic growth.”

With this investment, several Expo Line SkyTrain stations will be upgraded, including Main Street and Scott Road stations, along with improvements to the rail infrastructure. Station improvements include improving pedestrian circulation and access, improving access for people with disabilities, lengthening platforms where required, enhancing bus connections, and additional cycling accommodation. In addition, $75 million has been allocated for new SkyTrain cars.

The West Coast Express commuter rail service between Vancouver and Mission will be improved, with the purchase of seven additional cars, along with upgrades to Waterfront and Mission Stations to accommodate longer trains and provide enhanced passenger access.

“This program clearly demonstrates the value of the partnership between the federal government, the province and TransLink in delivering improvements to Metro Vancouver’s transportation system. As a region, we’ve been able to attract unprecedented support from our senior government partners because TransLink has the plans ready to go and, with this announcement, our intention is to put the dollars to work as soon as possible,” said Parker.

The BC Public Transit Investment will create up to 1,700 jobs during construction, as well as new economic opportunities for the future. This investment is in addition to other investments that include bus fleet expansion, RapidBus BC service on the TransCanada Highway and the Evergreen Line.

This investment is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

Beyond this funding announcement, the Government of Canada is taking important steps to support economic growth. Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced in Budget 2009, is a balanced stimulus plan that includes massive investments in infrastructure, tax relief and transfers. This plan will provide close to $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years which will address needs in communities across Canada, as well as contributing to long-term economic growth through investments in public infrastructure, such as roads, water treatment, green energy and transit.

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1 backgrounder(s) attached.

Media

contact:

Chris Day

Press Secretary

Office of Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister

613 991-0700

Dave Crebo

Communications Director

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

250 387-7787

Bridgitte Anderson

Press Secretary

Office of the Premier

604 307-7177

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.