No. H 044/09
For release - March 27, 2009
VANCOUVER — The Canada Line is on track and will open by the Labour Day 2009 weekend, about three months earlier than originally scheduled, British Columbia's Premier Gordon Campbell and the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, announced today.
The announcement was made as Premier Campbell, Minister Day, British Columbia Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon, and project officials took part in a full system test of a Canada Line train, riding from Waterfront Station to YVR-Airport Station.
"I want to thank the thousands of people involved in the construction of the Canada Line for their hard work and determination in getting this critical transit project competed as quickly as possible," said Premier Campbell. "The Canada Line will result in an estimated 200,000 less one-way car trips every day as commuters choose this modern, convenient and efficient link between the airport, Richmond and downtown Vancouver."
"By investing in the Canada Line, our Government is helping to improve public transit in one of the Greater Vancouver Area's busiest corridors," said Minister Day. "This project, which is on budget and ahead of schedule, is good news for our economy, our communities, our tourism industry and will help us host the world for the 2010 Olympic Games."
Canada Line trains are currently travelling the complete length of the 19-kilometre line as part of testing and commissioning of the system. Finishing work continues at all Canada Line stations and the restoration of station sites is close to completion. The exact date for welcoming the public to the Canada Line will be determined in the coming months.
"TransLink is delighted to have the showcase Canada Line open early in September for the improved fall service implementation," said TransLink CEO Tom Prendergast. "We are excited about the additional capacity it will provide and pleased to be able to provide tourists the advantage of a swift, highly reliable rapid transit trip linking the airport and downtown, something most cities cannot do."
"Today's announcement means YVR passengers and Sea Island employees are three months closer to enjoying this fast and convenient new transportation option to and from YVR," said Vancouver Airport Authority President and CEO Larry Berg. "The Canada Line will join a series of capital expansion projects being completed at YVR in 2009, to help us continue to meet the needs of our customers and in time for the 2010 Winter Games."
The Canada Line will carry people from the centre of Richmond or the Vancouver Airport, YVR to Vancouver's Waterfront Centre in 25 minutes or less.
The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink) and the Vancouver Airport Authority are proud partners in the Canada Line, which is also supported by the cities of Vancouver and Richmond.
The Government of Canada's $450 million contribution to the project is being managed under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. The Province has provided $435 million towards the Canada Line project.
The $2.054 billion project is on budget and ahead of schedule. The pending successful completion of the Canada Line is a result of efforts by project partners, Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc., a subsidiary of TransLink, which oversees the project, and InTransitBC, the private sector partner that designed, built, and will operate and maintain the Canada Line.
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