Government Partnership moves forward with Calgary Transit Projects

May 07, 2010

CALGARY, ALBERTA — The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North, the Honourable Jonathan Denis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, and His Worship David Bronconnier, Mayor of Calgary, participated in a groundbreaking event today to celebrate the start of construction on nine Calgary Transit projects.

“The Government of Canada is investing in increased efficiency and expanded capacity of the transit system while creating jobs in Calgary,” said Minister Prentice. “This project is providing job opportunities for Albertans and building transit infrastructure that will promote long-term economic growth.”

“These nine projects will continue to foster the hard-working spirit we know and love in Calgary,” said Minister Denis. “When I first moved to Calgary, the LRT was not only a means of transportation for me, but the best way to get to know this city. Expanding the transit lines not only promotes economic growth but is also a way to help Calgarians meet their community and environmental goals.”

“The past 10 years have seen significant growth in transit ridership and have required investments in the city’s public transportation system. These improvements would not have been possible without strong partnerships among the City of Calgary, the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada. The developments currently underway are the direct result of continued cooperation and shared vision,” said Mayor Bronconnier.

The transit projects include new construction and rehabilitation of stations and related track work; increased capacity for transit station platforms to handle longer trains; electronic fare collection capability; a passenger information system; transit signal projects; and a bus rapid transit system for southeast Calgary. 

This investment will provide community-wide benefits such as improving overall mobility; reducing congestion; ensuring that the region can accommodate future growth; and helping to reduce greenhouse gas and other air pollutant emissions.

The total cost of these projects is approximately $270 million. The Government of Canada is contributing up to one-third of the total eligible costs, to a maximum of $90 million through the Building Canada Fund and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Province of Alberta is also contributing up to $90 million toward the project, with the remaining funding coming from the City of Calgary.

The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund projects must be completed by March 2011, while the Building Canada Fund projects are expected to be complete by spring 2015. 

The Government of Canada is taking important steps to support economic growth in Alberta and across Canada. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides for almost $12 billion in new infrastructure
stimulus funding over two years and accelerates the $33-billion Building Canada Plan, which will help address needs in communities across Canada and contribute to long-term economic growth through investments in public infrastructure, such as roads, water treatment, green energy and transit.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that the province’s industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.

Rapid population growth has led to transit ridership outpacing the supply of new transit infrastructure. By enhancing the transit network, the city can expand on its strong public transit system and continue to encourage more Calgarians to reduce their use of private vehicles. To respond to demand and to meet the strategic goals of its transportation plan, the City of Calgary has identified improvements to the transit system. The funding partnerships entered into with the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta will ensure major infrastructure investments increase capacity and attract new riders; increase public safety, cleanliness and maintenance; enhance the reliability and competitiveness of transit service; enhance the overall transit customer experience by making the service more attractive; and support a sustainable and socially responsible travel option for all Calgarians.