New handi-transit vehicles to improve quality of life for Manitobans with mobility challenges

SELKIRK, MB, Feb. 13, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada recognizes that strategic investments in public transit infrastructure are key to developing inclusive communities where everyone can get around easily and access public services and job opportunities.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development, announced funding for the purchase of three new handi-van transit vehicles for the City of Selkirk, along with one new vehicle each for the City of Morden and the Town of Morris.

Adding these accessible vehicles to public transit fleets will provide individuals with reduced mobility, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities, with more options to meet their daily transportation needs.

The Government of Canada is contributing a total of $240,000 to these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, representing 50 per cent of the total eligible costs. The recipient communities will provide the remaining funding.  

With this announcement, the federal government has now approved funding for handi-van transit vehicles in 36 communities across the province.

Quotes

"Making sure everyone can get where they need to go safely, quickly and comfortably is essential to creating inclusive communities. Supporting vital projects like the purchase of these handi-vans in Selkirk, Morden and Morris, will ensure that all members of the community have transportation options that meet their unique needs."

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development

"Investments in transit provide greater accessibility, help to shorten commute times, cut air pollution, and strengthen our communities. Projects such as these support our government's vision for more sustainable public transportation for all Manitobans."

The Honourable Jeff Wharton, Minister of Municipal Relations

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.
• Projects breakdown:
• Selkirk: $150,000 in federal funding will go towards the purchase of three handi-transit vans.
• Morden: $45,000 in federal funding will go towards the purchase of one handi-transit van.
• Morris: $45,000 in federal funding will go towards the purchase of one handi-transit van.
• Including these projects, there are 64 approved and announced projects in Manitoba under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, totalling approximately $139 million in eligible projects costs. Of these costs, the Government of Canada is providing $69.5 million, the Manitoba Government $27.6 million and municipalities $41.9 million.

Associated links

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

Federal infrastructure investments in Manitoba: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/mb-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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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

For further information: Brian Kaufmann, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development, 613-716-7079, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [e-mail]

Related Links

www.infrastructure.gc.ca