No. H 119/09
For release - August 17, 2009
RICHMOND — Canada Line, which provides rapid transit service between downtown Vancouver, Richmond and Vancouver International Airport (YVR), was officially opened three-and-a-half months ahead of schedule today by the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Premier Gordon Campbell and representatives of the project's partners.
Opening ceremonies at YVR-Airport Terminus Station included an inaugural trip between the airport, Richmond and Vancouver's Waterfront Station.
The $2 billion project is one of the largest infrastructure undertakings ever completed in British Columbia. It will transport passengers along the 19-kilometre route from downtown Vancouver's Waterfront Station to Vancouver International Airport in just 25 minutes, and is projected to carry 100,000 passengers per day, eliminating 14,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
"On behalf of all British Columbians, I want to thank all of the workers who built this modern, efficient transit line on budget and more than three months ahead of schedule," said Premier Campbell. "This new line will carry millions of visitors and residents each year, reducing commute times and carrying tourists and business travelers quickly and efficiently into our communities. That will boost tourism, create opportunities and strengthen our economy for years to come."
"Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, remains focused on creating jobs and delivering results for British Columbia," said Minister Day. "Today's grand launch is an example of what is achieved when all levels of government work together. The Canada Line will mean cleaner air, fewer GHG emissions and shorter commute times for Vancouver residents and tourists."
The Canada Line rapid transit system runs fully separated from traffic. With 16 stations, two bridges, approximately 19 kilometres of tunnel and elevated guideway, parking and bus facilities, and transit capacity equivalent to 10 road lanes, the line is a significant new link in the regional transportation network.
"The Canada Line is an important piece of the region's overall transit network," said TransLink CEO Tom Prendergast. "By connecting to other transit services that operate out of Waterfront Station and other Canada Line stations, Canada Line makes our transit network more integrated and provides faster and more convenient service. It also will make a significant contribution toward our greenhouse gas reduction goals and all of the efforts going in to keeping Metro Vancouver's standing as one of the most livable places on earth. Congratulations are in order to all of the partners who made the line happen, and all of people who designed, built and delivered such a significant new addition to the world's biggest, automated rapid transit system."
The project was overseen by Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc. (CLCO), a subsidiary of TransLink. The Government of Canada, Government of British Columbia, South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink), the Vancouver Airport Authority and InTransitBC funded the Canada Line, which is also supported by the Cities of Vancouver and Richmond.
"We're pleased to be able to now move into operating mode for Canada Line," noted Jane Bird, CEO, Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc. "Completing the work three-and-a-half months early means we'll be able to complete the transition from construction to full operation well before the busy fall season that starts after the Labour Day long weekend. Each person involved in this project should be extremely proud that they've built an exceptional new system that will serve the people who live, work and travel in Vancouver for the next 100 years."
The Canada Line was designed and built by InTransitBC, which will also operate and maintain the system under a 35-year contract. InTransitBC is a limited partnership company owned by SNC-Lavalin Inc., the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (bcIMC) and the Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec.
"We're proud of the fact that this complex and challenging project was not only completed ahead of schedule but within budget too," said Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and CEO of InTransitBC. "While more than 2,000 people worked on the Canada Line locally, the project involved companies from across Canada and around the world. Everyone involved should take a great deal of pride in this extraordinary achievement."
Larry Berg, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority, noted Canada Line marks the first rapid transit service to any major airport in the country. "We're pleased to be the first major airport in Canada to provide our customers and the more than 26,000 people who work at YVR with convenient rapid transit service to the airport," said Berg. "I congratulate the project partners for completing such an impressive infrastructure project on budget and ahead of schedule."
Today's inaugural trip between YVR and downtown Vancouver made stops at stations in Richmond and Vancouver to welcome aboard Mayor Malcolm Brodie of Richmond and Mayor Gregor Robertson of Vancouver.
"Richmond is known as one of the world's most livable cities, and there's no question that the benefits offered by the Canada Line will further this reality," said Mayor Brodie. "Our extensive restoration work along No. 3 Road integrates the Canada Line into the fabric of our city centre to offer pedestrian and transit-oriented neighbourhoods and a vibrant, cosmopolitan urban destination with rich business opportunities. Canada Line will help us towards achieving sustainable community living, and will change how people think about getting to, from and around Richmond."
"The residents of Vancouver will benefit from the Canada Line, which will help reduce traffic congestion in the city and improve overall commuting times," said Mayor Robertson. "As part of our goal of becoming the greenest city in the world, the City is working to get people out of their cars and onto transit as much as possible. The Canada Line will provide a new, sustainable public transit option that will make it easier for people to leave their cars at home."
On arrival in downtown Vancouver, passengers were greeted at a welcoming ceremony organized by The Vancouver Board of Trade. The welcome signaled the start of Canada Line's fare-free day, a chance for British Columbians and their families to experience the latest addition to Metro Vancouver's transit system.
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