No. A011/05
For release - September 23, 2005
SOURIS, PEI — The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, MP for Cardigan, today announced on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre, that a project with an estimated value of $1.7 million has been approved for the construction of a new ferry terminal for the ferry service between Cap-aux-Meules, Québec and Souris, Prince Edward Island.
"The Government of Canada recognizes the need to build a new ferry terminal that can better accommodate existing and future traffic," said Mr. MacAulay. "It will also offer a safe and secure service to ferry passengers and employees working in that terminal."
The new terminal will be built close to the old terminal. The new building will consist of large and comfortable waiting areas that will meet the needs of users and will offer frequently requested services to its clientele. It will also provide a new and improved security system that will enhance the safety and security controls of the terminal and its operations. It will be approximately 335 square meters in size and will accommodate up to 150 passengers.
"This new terminal building will ensure that passengers have access to adequate, long-term services at the Souris ferry terminal site," said Mr. Lapierre. "This renewal of transportation facilities is part of Transport Canada's commitment to serve the needs of communities," he added.
The contract for construction of the new terminal is expected to be awarded in mid-October of this year. Construction is scheduled to begin in late October, with completion expected in mid-June, 2006.
The existing ferry terminal was built in 1975 and can only accommodate 50 passengers. This ferry service is operated by CTMA Traversier Ltée and is provided on a daily basis between the months of April and January of the following year. In 2004-2005, passenger traffic at the Souris terminal was 108,000 passengers and 35,000 vehicles.
Funding for this project was provided for in the 2005 main estimates and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
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Contacts:
Irène MarcheterreDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Steve BoneArea Manager, CommunicationsAtlantic Region, Transport Canada(902) 426-7795
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