Government of Canada takes action to expand Edmonton's light rail transit network

EDMONTON, March 11, 2019 /CNW/ - 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, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, was joined by Jon Carson, MLA for Edmonton–Meadowlark, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Mason, Alberta Minister of Transportation, and His Worship Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton, to announce federal funding for two major Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects in Edmonton.

The Valley Line West LRT project consists of the second and next stage of the Valley Line construction. The project involves extending the line by approximately 14 kilometres from downtown Edmonton to the west-end community of Lewis Farms.

The Metro Line Northwest LRT Extension project is the first stage of an expansion of the Metro Line and involves extending the line by approximately 1.5 kilometres from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology to the Blatchford development.

Both projects will significantly improve Edmonton's LRT system by extending service to new areas of the city, improving the rider experience, increasing accessibility, and laying the groundwork for future expansion and growth.

The Government of Canada is providing over $1 billion for both projects through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Alberta is contributing approximately $1.17 billion through the Climate Leadership Plan, and the City of Edmonton is providing approximately $706 million.

Quotes

"Investing in new urban transit networks and service extensions is essential to ensuring people can spend less time in traffic commuting home from work and more precious time with their families. These important extensions to Edmonton's LRT network will provide residents in the western and northwestern communities with convenient access to the downtown core, all while improving the user experience, accommodating a growing ridership and making the transit system more accessible."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Our government is always focused on helping people get to school, to work, or to spend time with family members. That's why we are committed to investing in more public transit options across Alberta. These investments will make a major difference in the quality of life of Edmontonians and Albertans."

The Honourable Brian Mason, Alberta Minister of Transportation

"Edmonton is one of Canada's fastest growing cities, and we are planning and building our city with this growth in mind. We are undertaking the most ambitious expansion of our LRT network in our history so we can grow smart and sustainably, and keep more than a million people moving.  Today's announcement is a true representation of partnership between all levels of government, a partnership that is needed in order to continue to make valuable investments like these that will benefit the generations to come."  

His Worship Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing 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.
• $28.7 billion of this funding is supporting public transit projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• For the Valley Line West LRT project, the Government of Canada is providing $948,560,000, while the Government of Alberta is providing $1,038,760,000 and the City of Edmonton is providing $637,080,000.
• For the Metro Line Northwest LRT Extension project, the Government of Canada is providing $127,200,000, the Government of Alberta is providing $131,200,000 and the City of Edmonton is providing $69,600,000.

Associated links

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/ab-eng.html

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

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Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

For further information: Ann-Clara Vaillancourt, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-697-3778, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Government of Alberta, [e-mail], 780-422-4905; Lindsay Yarmon, Senior Communications Advisor, Integrated Infrastructure Services, City of Edmonton, 780-977-8293; Media Relations, Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [e-mail]

Related Links

www.infrastructure.gc.ca