February 15, 2008
Esquimalt, British Columbia
Pedestrians and drivers will find it safer and quicker to travel through a busy section of Esquimalt, thanks to an investment of $2 million from the federal and provincial governments. The funding is provided through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), which enables communities across B.C. to grow as healthier, greener and more sustainable places to live.
The announcement was made today by James Lunney Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, and Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and MLA for Oak Bay Gordon Head.
"This investment will improve traffic flow for more than 15,000 vehicles that drive on Craigflower Road each day and increase safety for the many pedestrians and cyclists who use this route," said MP Lunney, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "This investment demonstrates our government's commitment to modernize infrastructure in communities like Esquimalt."
The District of Esquimalt will upgrade 1.6 kilometres of Craigflower Rd with improved transit facilities, sidewalks, marked bicycle lanes, boulevards and crosswalks. The project will also allow for the construction of new left turn lanes and centre median. When completed, the project will improve the overall safety and operating efficiency for all travellers.
"Craigflower Road is an important transportation corridor and it is often used as an alternative to the Trans Canada Highway," said Chong. "The funding will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists along this busy stretch of road and it will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of time vehicles idle."
"This is a truly exciting announcement for Esquimalt," said Mayor Chris Clement. Residents along Craigflower Road, in the Tillicum area, have long complained about the dangers of walking and cycling that route. Now, with the assistance of the federal and provincial governments, we will be able to implement long-awaited improvements that will result in overall traffic calming, pedestrian amenities and bicycle lanes, as well as other improvements."
Launched in June 2006, the majority of CBCMRIF program funding supports local infrastructure upgrades or new construction projects for communities of fewer than 250,000, helping to minimize costs for local taxpayers.
At least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with "green projects," and is geared towards enhancing environmental sustainability, such as water and waste-water systems, public transit, and environmental energy improvements. Other infrastructure projects will support local roads, cultural and recreational facilities, tourism, and broadband connectivity. Funding for this project is conditionally approved pending the successful completion of an environmental assessment.
The total amount available through the CBCMRIF, with federal and provincial investments and matching local government contribution, is over $220 million. More details on the program are available through the CBCMRIF website at http://www.canadabcmrif.ca/.
For additional information, contact:
Jackie StewartCommunications AdvisorWestern Economic Diversification CanadaVancouver, B.C.Tel: (604) 666-1306Cell: (604) 671-9031Marc BlackCommunications ManagerB.C. Ministry of Community ServicesVictoria, B.C.Tel: (250) 356-6334
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
