Hamilton, Ontario, May 23, 2008 - David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, along with Chad Collins, Hamilton City Councillor, announced today the grand opening of the newly renovated Eastgate Square Transit Terminal in Hamilton.
Located at the Eastgate Square Shopping Centre, the new terminal provides simultaneous accommodation for up to eight buses. It also has amenities for transit passengers, including fully accessible platforms, modern, low maintenance shelters, and high security lighting.
"Public transit is a key part of urban transportation infrastructure," said MP Sweet. "The opening of this new transit terminal will improve mobility, reduce travel times and increase safety and efficiency for the residents of Hamilton."
The new Eastgate Square terminal supports Hamilton's Transportation Master Plan, which includes a 25-year growth initiative to increase transit ridership.
"Modernizing our transit system is an important part of building the NEXT Hamilton. Getting people out of their cars and onto public transit not only improves the environment, but it helps develop the economy of tomorrow," said Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton. "Through a continued partnership with senior levels of government, we are building the foundation of a long-term relationship that will help Hamilton prosper into the future."
A federal investment of $1.6 million was provided for the terminal renovation through the Public Transit Capital Trust. Budget 2008 also provides up to $500 million, to be allocated among provinces and territories on a per capita basis, in support of investments in public transit capital.
Funding for public transit is consistent with the investments the Government of Canada is making in infrastructure. Through its unprecedented $33 billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will focus on infrastructure investments that contribute to cleaner air, water and land.
For more information on Building Canada, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
Philip Homerski
Public Affairs Coordinator
City of Hamilton
905-546-2424 x6272
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
