No. H 078/08
For release - March 27, 2008
REG INA, SASKATCHEWAN — The Government of Canada today announced $14.9 million in funding for capital investments to improve public transit in Saskatchewan. The announcement was made by the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food an d Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
"Saskatchewan is booming, our cities are growing and this government is delivering real action to mak e sure our transit systems can handle that expansion," said Minister Ritz. "These investments will provide dividends for our communities and our environment."
"The Public Transit Capital Trust 2008 will benefit seven Saskatchew an cities and help to address immediate transit infrastructure needs," said Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson. "This funding is certainly a welcome addition to the provincial Ready for Growth investments being made to support capital infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan. It is a good example of governments working together to align priorities and responsibilities."
Saskatchewan will provide the funding to improve services in the seven municipalities with public transit systems, based on ridership levels. Saskatoon will invest $4 million of its allocation in new facilities, including a new downtown transit terminal, and $3.5 million in new buses, as well as funding Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) upgrades, such as transit signal priority systems. Regina will use its $6 million allotment to expand its bus fleet, support improvements to its fare collection system, and for ITS upgra des to improve vehicle tracking and customer information systems.
"The Government of Canada is taking decisive action to support public transit in the country. Funding for transit has greatly increased in recent years, currently reaching over $1 billion per year. Sound investments in public transit can improve mobility and help get people out of their cars, which reduces traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution," added Minister Cannon. "In addition to the envir onmental value, these investments benefit the economy and quality of life in cities and communities."
Budget 2008 announced that $500 million would be provided to continue to support public transit infrastructure projects. Funding will be pai d into a third-party trust, allocated on a provincial-territorial per capita basis and used towards priority projects. The Public Transit Capital Trust 2008 will be used for specific projects, such as rapid transit, rail, transit buses, and high-occupancy vehicle and bicycle lanes. The funds will be delivered in trust to the Province of Saskatchewan, once legislation has been passed.
Saskatchewan will have the flexibility to draw from the funding as needed over the next two years. The beneficiari es are also encouraged to report publicly on the expenditures financed through the trust and on outcomes achieved.
This trust is in addition to the long-term funding available for public transit projects under the government's $33-billion Bui lding Canada Infrastructure Plan, including the Gas Tax Fund, which was made permanent in Budget 2008.
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Contacts:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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