Digby, Nova Scotia, October 11, 2007 - The Honourable Senator Gerald
Comeau, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today celebrated the arrival of
two new buses for the Kings Transit Authority, along with Jimmy MacAlpine,
Deputy Warden of the Municipality of the District of Digby, and Peter
Newton, Warden of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis. Canada's
New Government provided $431,228 in funding over three years from the
federal Gas
Tax Fund to the Municipality of the District of Digby, which in turn
will be in part applied towards the purchase of one bus. Canada's New
Government also provided $260,785 from the Gas Tax Fund to the
Municipality of the County of Annapolis, which will be applied towards the
purchase of the other bus.
"As part of its Building Canada infrastructure plan, Canada's New
Government is investing in priority infrastructure initiatives that
support a growing economy, a cleaner environment, and a more secure
Canada," said Senator Comeau. "Residents of Digby and Annapolis will enjoy
the benefits of this new bus, which will lengthen the bus routes and
accommodate more members of our community."
"There are several reasons why the municipal council believes we need a
bus service in the area," said Jim Thurber, Warden of the Municipality of
the District of Digby. "We have invested in the bus service to help
provide a cost effective way for people to get to work. The Digby area has
a large and growing senior population and the bus service gives them
independence, and the ability to get to medical services and to their day
to day needs."
"This is a very meaningful investment in our communities by the
Government of Canada and a wonderful example of municipal cooperation,"
said Annapolis County Warden Peter Newton. "Council was pleased to
allocate Gas Tax Funds to this initiative and join with the Town of
Annapolis Royal in providing the remaining funding for our new bus. Kings
Transit provides excellent service to our residents, which will become
more sustainable with a reliable, durable and efficient bus."
The new buses will help Kings Transit extend service from Brooklyn
(District of West Hants) to Weymouth (District of Digby). The buses are
equipped with special features designed to better accommodate seniors and
those who use wheelchairs. An external bicycle rack is available to carry
two bicycles. The buses also use the latest diesel emission technology and
operate on low sulphur fuel.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure
plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and
predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada.
Building Canada will support a stronger, safer and better country. Over
the last several months, the Government of Canada has met with provinces,
territories and the municipal sector to discuss the Building Canada
infrastructure plan with a view to signing agreements and beginning to
fund projects under the plan.
Contacts:
Karine WhitePress Secretary Office of the Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada613-948-1148
Robert HerseyProgram CoordinatorMunicipality of the District of
Digby902-245-4757
