137 roads upgraded to increase safety and support economic activity across Winnipeg
News Release
Winnipeg, Manitoba, April 27, 2017—Modern and efficient roadways are crucial to encouraging and supporting economic activity, facilitating trade, and creating good paying, middle class jobs. The governments of Canada and Manitoba recognize this, and continue to make investments in roads across Winnipeg in an effort to also make them safer and more reliable for the residents that depend on them every day.
In 2016, Winnipeg was able to upgrade 137 roads thanks, in part, to $36.5 million provided to the City through the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF). From smaller projects such as sidewalk renewals and granular lane paving, to the major reconstruction and rehabilitation of main roads, these investments are helping to improve travel throughout Winnipeg. See the full proposed list of 2016 road improvements projects.
The City also used some of its annual GTF allocation to improve public transit services across the City in 2016.
The governments of Canada and Manitoba will continue to invest in Winnipeg’s roads and bridges recognizing that it supports local businesses, increases tourism, and helps ensure residents travel safely and efficiently throughout the City.
Quotes
“The federal Gas Tax Fund gives communities the flexibility to spend money on infrastructure projects where they need it most. Here in Winnipeg, road and sidewalk improvements are a priority, and these projects make the City’s transportation network more efficient and reliable -- helping kids travel safely to their schools and workers arrive on time at their jobs. It will also reduce vehicle repair costs and improve the safety and quality of life for residents for many years to come.”
The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources,
On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Our Government’s commitment to communities and public infrastructure is allowing Manitoba communities to address their infrastructure priorities while supporting economic growth, a high standard of living, and a safe, healthy environment. We are pleased to support Winnipeg’s leadership efforts to deliver improved infrastructure like better roads and sidewalks for our citizens.”
Honourable Eileen Clarke, Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations
“We know improving our roads is Winnipeggers’ number one priority so we are investing record amounts in roads and sidewalks with help from the Gas Tax Fund. More modern, reliable road infrastructure is good for Winnipeg’s economy and citizens’ quality of life.”
City Councillor Marty Morantz, Chair, Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works
Quick Facts
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In 2016-17, the Government of Canada made $68.7 million available to Manitoba communities through the annual federal Gas Tax Fund transfer. In late 2016-17, the Government of Canada transferred and additional $835,093 to Manitoba from unused legacy funding programs through a federal GTF top up. Another $68.7 million (regular allocation) will be made available to municipalities in 2017-2018 for their community infrastructure priorities.
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The City of Winnipeg completed 41 road improvements projects in 2015 and is planning to complete over 150 road improvements projects in 2017 thanks in part to its annual funding allocation from the federal GTF.
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In 2016, the City of Winnipeg received an allocation of $41.9 M through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
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The federal GTF provides predictable, long-term, stable funding for Canadian municipalities every year to help them build and revitalize local public infrastructure. It offers local communities the flexibility to make strategic investments across 18 different project categories, including roads and bridges, public transit, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and recreational facilities.
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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 Canada’s rural and northern communities.
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Budget 2017 proposes over $10.1 billion in trade and transportation projects across Canada. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
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Contacts
Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
Brook.Simpson@canada.ca
Caitlin MacGregor
Press Secretary
Manitoba Government – Communications & Stakeholder Relations
204-945-1494
Caitlin.MacGregor@leg.gov.mb.ca
City of Winnipeg Media Inquiry Line
204-986-6000
mediainquiry@winnipeg.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada