No. H160/06For release
November 21, 2006
FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS
INVEST $70.8 MILLION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS
OTTAWA − The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, and British Columbia Transportation Minister
Kevin Falcon, today announced the completion of construction on a section of the
Trans-Canada Highway in B.C. Canada's New Government contributed $21.3 million
toward the $70.8-million project, with $49.5 million provided by the Government
of British Columbia.
"As a result of our combined efforts, Canada's New Government and our partners
in the Province of British Columbia have made a significant step toward
improving highway infrastructure in B.C.," said Minister Cannon. "This project
means not only a more efficient roadway system, but improved safety for the
travelling public as well."
"The Trans-Canada Highway is our most important gateway to the rest of Canada
and the completion of phase 1 is a major upgrade in the Kicking Horse Canyon,"
said Minister Falcon. "This project is vital for travellers' safety and for
improving the flow of commercial goods through the corridor."
The first phase of highway improvements replaced the pre-existing Yoho Bridge
and upgraded 3.2 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway through Kicking Horse
Canyon to a 4-lane, 100 kilometres per hour standard. Phase 2, in partnership with the Province of
British Columbia and the Government of Canada, involves the replacement of Park
Bridge and approximately 6 kilometres of highway. Construction is currently
underway.
In Budget 2006, Canada's New Government committed an unprecedented $16.5 billion
over the next four years for provincial, territorial and municipal
infrastructure.
- 30 -
Contacts:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Amanda Stringer
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Mike Long
Director of Communications
B.C. Ministry of Transportation, Victoria
250-387-7787
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.
