No. H136/03 For release November 20, 2003 GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TO FUND STUDY TO IDENTIFY IMPROVEMENTS TO BRITISH COLUMBIA RAIL CORRIDORS OTTAWA - Transport Minister David Collenette and Secretary of State Stephen Owen (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development), today announced that the Government of Canada will provide $190,000 to fund a study by the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council to identify potential improvements in three rail corridors in the lower mainland of British Columbia."This study will determine how to improve the effectiveness and safety of the transportation system in the lower mainland, supporting tourism and trade," said Mr. Collenette. "By examining ways to increase efficiency, we may also identify opportunities to reduce the harmful environmental effects of transportation, such as emissions of greenhouse gases."The Greater Vancouver Gateway Council (GVGC) is composed of senior executives from industry and government who work together to support Greater Vancouver as a gateway for North America. The GVGC is undertaking a feasibility study to determine what rail infrastructure or operating changes are required to improve the efficiency of three critical rail corridors in the lower mainland of British Columbia. The first corridor extends from the United States border to the port of Vancouver and includes the New Westminster Rail Bridge. The other two corridors are the Canadian Pacific Railway corridor that serves the port of Vancouver and the Delta Port Subdivision owned by British Columbia Rail. "The three rail corridors are vital to the flow of goods between the lower mainland ports and the rest of the country, as well as across the border with the United States," said Mr. Owen. "This study will help government, industry and the public decide what changes are necessary for the three rail corridors." "We are pleased that the Government of Canada is contributing to this important project," said Mr. Robert Wilds, Managing Director of the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council. "This gateway plays a critical role in the economy of the country and the three corridors we are studying are vital to ensure the smooth flow of goods between the lower mainland ports and the rest of Canada as well as across the border with the United States." Transport Canada is supporting the study through its Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program. The $600 million federal program makes funds available for highway construction, intelligent transportation systems, and for initiatives that better integrate the transportation system. The study is expected to cost $390,000 and take approximately nine months to complete. Transport Canada is contributing $100,000 while Western Economic Diversification Canada is providing $90,000. Public and private partners will fund the balance of the study, including: the Province of British Columbia; the City of Vancouver; the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority; Borealis; the Vancouver Port Authority; the Fraser River Port Authority; Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway; Canadian National; Canadian Pacific Railway; and Southern Railway of British Columbia.- 30 - Contact: Amy Butcher Director of Communications Office of the Minister, Ottawa (613) 991-0700 Susan Schooley Manager, Communications Western Economic Diversification Canada (604) 666-1318 WD toll-free number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378) www.wd.gc.ca Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
