March 22, 2005 Edmonton, Alberta -- Rural communities will benefit from $9.75 million to be directed towards 34 transportation infrastructure projects announced today through the Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program (ICAP). These projects will improve transportation infrastructure in rural communities across Alberta and increase community safety, which are ICAP priorities. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), and the Honourable Dr. Lyle Oberg, Alberta Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, made the announcement today. “Through partnerships, the Government of Canada is committed to investing in sustainable infrastructure projects that find local solutions for local challenges,” said Deputy Prime Minister McLellan. “The vitality of our communities is essential to building a better quality of life for all Albertans.” "I am very pleased to support projects that improve quality of life for residents," said Dr. Oberg. "The projects announced today represent what's important to individual Alberta communities, because they're initiated by the people who live in those communities. We will continue to work together with municipal and federal governments to respond to the needs of Alberta communities." The transportation infrastructure projects announced today improve overall Alberta community traffic management, public transport, commercial vehicle operations, emergency response management and vehicle safety, thereby sustaining economic growth and supporting a better quality of life for Albertans and their communities. Featured in today’s announcement is the Smoky Lake County access road upgrades expected to increase tourism to nearby Hanmore Lake and Sunrise Beach. The Town of Okotoks will also implement upgrades and extensions to their pathway trail system to increase recreational opportunities. The Municipal District of Northern Lights District No. 22 will install a bridge culvert and corrugated steel pipes along Lovlin Road. To date, 677 projects have been announced in Alberta under this partnership program. With these projects, ICAP has exceeded its target of directing at least $508 million in federal, provincial and municipal funding toward municipal infrastructure in urban and rural communities across the province. In Alberta, ICAP is implemented by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, and is administered by a joint secretariat. The federal and provincial governments together will invest $3.1 million toward the $9.75 million announced today. The proponents will invest the remaining $6.6 million. The ICAP Management Committee approves the projects and is composed of representatives from the governments of Canada and Alberta, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMD&C). "The Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program is a good example of a working partnership between all three levels of government," said Dorothy Moore on behalf of the AUMA. "The infrastructure needs of municipalities have never been greater. ICAP's versatile three-way partnership addresses infrastructure needs in all sizes of municipalities." “The funding support offered by ICAP allows our member municipalities to take on needed infrastructure improvements,” said Eugene Wauters on behalf of the AAMD&C. “Infrastructure is a high priority for municipal districts and counties.” The Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program agreement was signed Oct. 10, 2000. Federal funding for ICAP was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. - 30 - For additional information, contact: Donna Kinley Communications Manager Western Economic Diversification Canada Edmonton, Alberta Tel: (780) 495-6892 E-mail: donna.kinley@wd.gc.ca Renée Gillen Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) Tel: (613) 954-1110 Trent Bancarz Communications Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation Edmonton, Alberta Tel: (780) 427-0623 (In Alberta, dial 310-0000 for toll-free connection outside of Edmonton) WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca Backgrounder Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program Alberta Fact Sheet Partnership Program The Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program (ICAP) is a partnership involving federal, provincial and municipal governments that also allows for private-sector participation. All three levels of government played an important part in the design of this program. Under ICAP, the federal and provincial governments can provide up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible costs. Partnering communities or private partners in the program provide the remaining project funding. For the 677 projects and $553.6 million approved since June 8, 2001, federal and provincial contributions total approximately $311.3 million. In Alberta, the program is implemented by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, and is administered by a joint secretariat. Grassroots Driven ICAP is designed with a bottom-up approach. Accordingly, municipalities play an important role in the program. The majority of projects will address local infrastructure needs identified by the municipalities. The federal and provincial governments may also propose projects to ensure that regional projects involving more than one municipality are not overlooked. Program Priorities ICAP’s first priority is “green” municipal infrastructure. Green infrastructure includes projects related to water and wastewater systems, water management, solid waste management and recycling, and capital expenditures to retrofit or improve the energy efficiency of buildings and facilities owned by local municipalities. The ICAP agreement specifies that a minimum 40 per cent of the total value of all approved projects must be invested in green municipal infrastructure. Secondary priorities include local transportation, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for local public institutions and affordable housing. To ensure the infrastructure needs of rural communities are considered, a minimum 26 per cent of total approved costs for all projects in Alberta must be invested in projects proposed by rural municipalities. North - Central Projects Location Number of Projects Combined Federal / Provincial Contribution Total Project Costs Village of Alliance 1 Project $38,140 $62,421 Village of Berwyn 1 Project $64,360 $103,298 Municipal District of Big Lakes 1 Project $23,618 $100,000 Summer Village of Castle Island 1 Project $29,160 $46,802 Village of Clyde 1 Project $53,620 $160,500 Summer Village of Crystal Springs 1 Project $31,780 $77,250 Village of Irma 1 Project $56,320 $90,393 Village of Lougheed 1 Project $26,314 $42,800 County of Minburn No. 27 1 Project $216,720 $419,538 Municipal District of Northern Lights No. 22 1 Project $118,850 $323,854 Village of Onoway 1 Project $47,280 $75,885 Village of Ryley 1 Project $55,900 $89,720 Village of Sangudo 1 Project $18,690 $30,000 Town of Sedgewick 1 Project $84,220 $135,173 Summer Village of Silver Beach 1 Project $30,820 $182,385 Smoky Lake County 1 Project $116,790 $220,000 Municipal District of Smoky River No. 130 1 Project $195,794 $325,000 Town of St. Paul 1 Project $1,170 $11,784 Strathcona County 1 Project $82,560 $779,126 Summer Village of Sunset Beach 1 Project $29,980 $48,150 Town of Two Hills 1 Project $31,332 $50,290 Village of Wabamun 1 Project $24,684 $48,150 Yellowhead County 1 Project $297,576 $1,615,700 SUBTOTAL - North Central Alberta 23 Projects $1,675,678 $5,038,219 South - Central Projects Location Number of Projects Combined Federal / Provincial Contribution Total Project Costs County of Forty Mile No. 8 1 Project $77,306 $132,354 Village of Halkirk 1 Project $35,860 $63,081 Lacombe County 1 Project $267,682 $2,646,228 County of Lethbridge No. 26 1 Project $211,938 $393,117 Village of Milo 1 Project $35,020 $56,710 Town of Okotoks 1 Project $86,766 $140,000 County of Paintearth No. 18 1 Project $278,306 $481,827 Red Deer County 1 Project $40,112 $82,176 Village of Rockyford 1 Project $48,760 $95,979 Starland County 1 Project $301,934 $507,615 Wheatland County 1 Project $68,532 $109,994 SUBTOTAL – South Central Alberta 11 Projects $1,452,216 $4,709,081 GRAND TOTALS 34 Projects $3,127,894 $9,747,300 Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program Project List Summary with Total Project Costs Village of Alliance Street Upgrades $64,241 Resurfacing 2 nd Street with cold mix asphalt is expected to increase road safety and reduce the dust generated by traffic. Contact Person : Laura Towers, Tel. (780) 879-3911 Village of Berwyn North Subdivision Paving Project $103,298 To improve the durability of roads in the northern part of Berwyn, the Village will pave streets that currently have gravel surfaces. Contact Person : Harry Aspin, Tel. (780) 338-3922 Municipal District of Big Lakes Range Road 180 Upgrade $100,000 Upgrades to Range Road 180 will improve conditions for increased motorist safety. Contact Person : John Ericksson, Tel. (780) 523-5955 Summer Village of Castle Island Martin Road Project $46,802 Completing Martin Road will increase road safety and decrease emergency vehicle response times. Contact Person : Anita Blais, Tel. (780) 431-9712 Village of Clyde 49 th Street Reconstruction $160,500 To ensure the long-term viability of the roadway, the Village plans to upgrade 49 th Street by installing base material, fabric, and asphalt. Contact Person : Jean Yaremko, Tel. (780) 348-5356 Summer Village of Crystal Springs Lakeview Drive Road Upgrade $77,250 The hard pack surface on Lakeview Drive will be upgraded with the installation of a new cold mix surface to accommodate increased traffic. Contact Person : Bev Schneider, Tel. (780) 586-3522 County of Forty Mile No. 8 Hamlet of Burdett Street Improvements $132,354 This project involves rebuilding and paving sections of Railway Avenue, Third Street West and East Street. These upgrades will improve storm water drainage and ensure roads in Burdett meet safety standards. Contact Person : Dale Brown, Tel. (403) 867-3530 Village of Halkirk Road Upgrades – 2004 $63,081 This project involves several improvements to Alberta Avenue to increase motorist safety, including base preparation, application of cold mix pavement and the repositioning of utilities to the finished grade. Contact Person : Doris Cordel, Tel. (403) 884-2464 Village of Irma Street Improvements $90,393 This project involves the resurfacing of three village roadways: 49 th Street, 50 th Avenue and 53 rd Avenue. Applying a cold mix topping will increase road safety and decrease dust. Contact Person : Mark Evelyn, Tel. (780) 754-3665 Lacombe County Milton Road Upgrade $2,646,228 Widening Milton Road and adding better quality overlay will improve the movement of traffic in key corridors at peak times. This project will also eliminate the need for road bans, facilitating the flow of commodities year round. Contact Person : Phil Lodermeier, Tel. (403) 782-6601 County of Lethbridge No. 26 Monarch Church Road Upgrade $393,117 Rebuilding and widening Monarch Church Road will increase safety for motorists and extend the longevity of the road. Measures include rebuilding the road substructure, gravel surface, side slopes and improving roadside drainage. Contact Person : E. Duane Climenhaga, Tel. (403) 328-5525 Village of Lougheed Road Upgrades $42,800 This project involves resurfacing portions of Newlands Street and Alberta Avenue to solve water drainage problems. Contact Person : Stan Towers, Tel. (780) 386-3970 Village of Milo Sidewalk Replacement $56,710 The Village will improve pedestrian safety by replacing sidewalks along 1 st Street, 2 nd Avenue, portions of Railway Avenue and Centre Street. Contact Person : Dorothy Way, Tel. (403) 599-3883 County of Minburn No. 27 Old Highway 16 Upgrades $419,538 This project includes road reconstruction in several areas and the application of millings, patching and a seal coat, expected to improve road safety and longevity. Contact Person : David Marynowich, Tel. (780) 632-2082 Municipal District of Northern Lights No. 22 Lovlin Road Upgrade $323,854 Improving ditch gradients and installing a new bridge culvert and corrugated steel pipes along Lovlin Road will reduce the risk of flood for residents. The upgraded road will feature a gravelled and enlarged surface. Contact Person : Theresa McKelvie, Tel. (780) 836-3348 Town of Okotoks Pathway System Upgrades $140,000 This project involves both the construction of new pathways and the rehabilitation of existing corridors. Building an efficient pathway network will increase recreational opportunities for residents and provide an environmentally sustainable alternative to local transportation. Contact Person : Marley Oness, Tel. (403) 938-8930 Village of Onoway Main Street Upgrade $75,885 This project will increase accessibility for residents who use wheelchairs by upgrading the corners of the intersection at 49 th Avenue and 50 th Street. These improvements, including the installation of a concrete barrier and some landscaping work, will ensure local roadways meet safety standards. Contact Person : Joseph Trapani, Tel. (780) 967-5338 County of Paintearth No. 18 Lake Thelma Road Upgrade $481,827 Improving Lake Thelma Road with an overlay coat will improve road safety and aid in preserving the existing infrastructure. Contact Person : Julie Falkenberg, Tel. (403) 882-3211 Red Deer County Range Road 274 Upgrade $82,176 The County plans to upgrade the road by installing a chip sealed surface, ensuring efficient operation and viability of the roadway. Contact Person : Frank Peck, Tel. (403) 350-2163 Village of Rockyford Railway Avenue Road Upgrade $95,979 The Village plans to recondition Railway Avenue to ensure more efficient operations. Contact Person : Lois Mountjoy, Tel. (403) 533-3950 Village of Ryley Sidewalk Replacement $89,720 The Village will replace downtown sidewalks and upgrade curbs and gutters. People with reduced mobility will have improved access to more facilities. This project ensures local infrastructure meets safety standards. Contact Person : Rhoda Knudslien, Tel. (780) 663-3653 Village of Sangudo Road Upgrades $30,000 This project encompasses a number of upgrades that will enhance roads and walkways in Sangudo. The Village will upgrade guardrails, install new sidewalks and improve curbs and gutters, improving pedestrian and motorist safety and ensuring improvements meet infrastructure safety standards. Contact Person : Pamela Nelson, Tel. (780) 785-2258 Town of Sedgewick Street Upgrades $135,173 Applying an asphalt coating on the busiest roads in Sedgewick will reduce the amount of dust generated by traffic. The new surface will provide better traction and increase motorist safety. Contact Person : Thelma Rogers, Tel. (780) 384-3504 Summer Village of Silver Beach Silver Beach Road Upgrade $182,385 The Summer Village will pave the existing gravel and cold mix road surface to address recurring potholes and increase road safety and longevity. Contact Person : Blaine Alexander, Tel. (780) 464-5004 Smoky Lake County Road Upgrades $220,000 To improve tourism traffic, the County plans to pave the access roads leading to Hanmore Lake and Sunrise Beach. Contact Person : Cary Smigerowsky, Tel. (780) 656-3730 Municipal District of Smoky River No. 130 Range Road 200 Upgrade $325,000 The Municipal District will increase usability of the road by adding compacted clay fill and a new coat of gravel on the surface. Contact Person : Lucien G. Turcotte, Tel. (780) 837-2221 Starland County Craigmyle North Road Upgrade $507,615 To help ensure efficient operations, the County will upgrade more than seven kilometres of Craigmyle North Road by adding a granular base below the surface and applying an aggregate seal coat. Contact Person : Ross Rawlusyk, Tel. (403) 772-3793 Town of St. Paul Sidewalk Replacement $11,784 The Town will replace approximately 200 feet of sidewalk at the intersection of 46 th Avenue and 52 nd Street, ensuring that local walkways meet safety standards. Contact Person : Wayne Horner, Tel. (780) 645-4481 Strathcona County Township Road 542 Upgrade $779,126 Widening the road and re-contouring the slopes will create a safer transportation corridor and decrease emergency vehicle response times. Contact Person : Chris Batty, Tel. (780) 464-8091 Summer Village of Sunset Beach Road Paving Project $48,150 This project features the application of heavy asphalt and gravel on Birch Drive and Willow Drive, ensuring that the improvements meet infrastructure safety standards. Contact Person : Don McCallum, Tel. (780) 487-5357 Town of Two Hills Street Upgrade and Sidewalk Replacement $50,290 The Town will improve transportation and pedestrian safety of residents by paving part of 54 th Avenue and replacing sidewalks at various locations. Contact Person : Marcia Twerdochlib, Tel. (780) 657-3395 Village of Wabamun Road Upgrades $48,150 The Village will rehabilitate the road on 46 th Street between 52 nd and 56 th Avenues. The widened road will improve water drainage and motorist safety. Contact Person : Leagh Randle, Tel. (780) 892-2699 Wheatland County Hamlet of Carseland Street Improvements $109,994 To improve operational efficiency, the County will replace concrete sidewalks, curbs and gutters along Nelson Road. Contact Person : Jennifer Deak, Tel. (403) 934-3321 Yellowhead County Long Lake Road Upgrade $1,615,700 The County will reconstruct Long Lake Road to improve stability and reduce dust generated by traffic. These upgrades are expected to increase motorist safety and the longevity of the road. Contact Person : Tony Lew, Tel. (780) 723-4800
