Ottawa, Ontario, November 26, 2007 - Pierre Poilievre, Member of
Parliament for Nepean-Carleton, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence
Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today
announced the Government of Canada will make the construction of the
Strandherd Bridge and associated roadworks in South Ottawa a priority for
funding under the Canada
Strategic Infrastructure Fund.
The City's Strandherd Bridge proposal includes the construction of the
Strandherd-Armstrong bridge, the widening of Earl Armstrong Road from
River Road to Limebank Road, and the widening of Strandherd Road from
Woodroffe Avenue to Prince of Wales Drive.
"The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to support
infrastructure investments that protect the environment and help create
sustainable communities," said Mr. Poilievre.
Mr. Poilievre said construction of the Strandherd Bridge, related
roadways, and transit components undertaken as part of this project by the
City of Ottawa, will support sustainable growth and encourage the use of
public transportation in Canada's National Capital Region.
The Government of Canada will consider funding up to one-third of total
eligible costs to a maximum federal contribution of $35 million toward the
proposal. The total estimated cost of the Strandherd Bridge initiative is
$105 million. Funding for the project will come from the $200 million
reserved under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund for transit
projects in the City of Ottawa.
Federal financial support for the construction of the Strandherd Bridge
is conditional on the initiative meeting all applicable federal
eligibility requirements under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund.
The City of Ottawa must also demonstrate the initiative is part of a
comprehensive transit strategy in the Ottawa area and includes transit
components.
Federal financial support is also conditional on a federal due
diligence review of the project, the successful completion of an
environmental assessment, assurance by the City that the remaining project
costs have been fully financed and accounted for, and the signing of a
contribution agreement for the project detailing the project elements and
any other federal parameters including Treasury Board approval.
This initiative is consistent with the Government's new $33-billion
Building Canada Plan. The Plan emphasizes, amongst other things,
investments in public transit that contribute to a better
environment.
Contacts:
Karine WhitePress Secretary Office of the Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada613-948-1148
