No. H 142/08
For release - June 6, 2008
CALGARY - The Government of Canada and the City of Calgary today announced that, as part of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI), the federal government will provide up to $34.5 million to widen 52nd Street SE in Calgary from 114th Avenue to 130th Avenue SE from two to four lanes, and from 90th Avenue to 106th Avenue SE, from two to six lanes. The work also includes the construction of a grade separation at the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) rail line and the Western Headwaters Canal; intersection improvements; and storm water upgrades.
This project will benefit the local community through improved traffic flow and enhanced transportation safety.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, along with His Worship, Mayor Dave Bronconnier.
This project is part of a larger effort already underway by the City of Calgary to widen 52nd Street from Glenmore Trail to 130th Avenue SE. The city has completed widening of 52nd Street from 106th Avenue to 114th Avenue SE and is currently widening 52nd Street from Glenmore Trail to 90th Avenue SE. This improved infrastructure will provide a more efficient and safer approach to the primary access road for the CPR's intermodal yard, as truck traffic destined for the yard comprises a significant percentage of traffic in the area.
"This project will enhance the safety and efficiency of transportation infrastructure related to the movement of international trade through Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway," said Minister Prentice. "The Government of Canada is committed to concrete measures that contribute to a more productive, competitive economy."
"Investing in strategic infrastructure benefits our communities and is key to Canada's ability to compete in this rapidly changing world of global commerce," said Minister Cannon. "We continue to work with all levels of government and stakeholders to establish the Gateway and Corridor system as the best link between North America and Asia."
"This partnership with the federal government will contribute to the overall health of our economy by enabling better access to international markets," said Mayor Bronconnier. "With 40 per cent of our industrial traffic activity focused in southeast Calgary, improvements to the local transportation infrastructure will benefit a significant number of businesses, employers and workers."
This project is a priority under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative and the funding comes from the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund under the Building Canada infrastructure plan. This funding is conditional on the successful completion of an environmental assessment as required by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the successful negotiation of a contribution agreement with project funding partners.
The $2.1-billion Gateways and Border Crossings Fund was established to help improve the flow of goods between Canada and the rest of the world.
Through the $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. This plan will support a stronger, safer and better country.
For more information about Canada's APGCI, please visit www.apgci.gc.ca, and for more information on the Building Canada infrastructure plan and the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, please visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
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