RADISSON, QC, July 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Safe and efficient road networks are key to maintaining economic productivity and quality of life for all Quebecers. The governments of Canada and Quebec are investing in transportation infrastructure throughout the province to improve the flow of goods and grow the middle class.
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Luc Blanchette, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region, and Jean Boucher, Member of the National Assembly for Ungava, today announced an investment of nearly $265 million for major repairs to James Bay Road.
The project covers all 620 kilometres of James Bay Road, over half of which will be resurfaced. Work also includes the replacement of culverts and road safety devices such as signage and guardrails. In addition to significantly improving driving conditions throughout the region, this project will extend the life of the road, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
The Government of Canada is investing over $108.3 million for this project under the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component, National and Regional Projects. The Quebec government is contributing over $156.3 million from the Société du Plan Nord, including $150.9 million for repairs to James Bay Road and $5.4 million for work on all 90 kilometres of Chisasibi Road.
Quotes
"I am proud to announce significant funding for James Bay Road, one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in northern Quebec. The Government of Canada is making investments that will immediately improve quality of life for Quebecers while laying solid foundations for a strong, sustainable economy. We are pleased to support the communities of northern Quebec today."
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Improving access to the region north of the 49th parallel is a key condition for the success of the Plan Nord. The investments announced today are a major step in that direction since the James Bay Road is the preferred land route providing access to the western portion of the Plan Nord territory. It will soon be much easier, more affordable and, above all, safer to travel to and from Radisson and Chisasibi, and to access the many development project sites in the region."
Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Plan Nord
"The rehabilitation of this strategic route, which stretches no less than 620 kilometres, in addition to the 90 km of Chisasibi Road for which the Quebec government is providing funding, reflects our commitment to maintaining the quality of our transportation infrastructure across our vast territory. This project will also facilitate the flow of people and goods. User safety on this key link to James Bay is our top concern."
Luc Blanchette, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region, on behalf of Laurent Lessard, Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification
"The rehabilitation of this strategic link will reinvigorate northern Quebec. By moving quickly on critical stretches, we will be increasing safety not only for the 11,000 people served by James Bay Road, but also for the numerous hydroelectric, mining, forestry and tourism sector users in our region."
Jean Boucher, Member of the National Assembly for Ungava
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and rural and northern communities.
- Budget 2017 proposed more than $10.1 billion for trade and transportation projects across Canada. This amount includes $5 billion to be made available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- Over the next 10 years, the Quebec Infrastructure Plan is investing $91.1 billion in education, health and transportation to improve the quality of life of families and to create favourable conditions for innovation and economic growth in Quebec.
- The aim of the Plan Nord is to promote the potential for mining, forestry, energy, tourism, and social and cultural development in Quebec north of the 49th parallel. By harmonizing the economic, social and environmental aspects of the Plan Nord, the Quebec government intends to make it a responsible, sustainable and unifying project for Quebec society.
Related links
Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017:
http://www.budget.gc.ca/2017/docs/plan/chap-02-en.html.
Federal infrastructure investments in Quebec: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html.
The New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html
Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nrp-pnr-prog-eng.html.
Quebec Infrastructure Plan: https://www.tresor.gouv.qc.ca/en/public-infrastructures/publications/
Société du Plan Nord: http://plannord.gouv.qc.ca/en/
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149; Gabrielle Fallu, Press Secretary for the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region, 418-643-7295; For information: Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1 877-250-7154, E-mail: [email protected]
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