For immediate release
KINGSTON, Ontario, September 23, 2009 – Through its Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is investing in key infrastructure projects across the country, making a positive contribution to our nation’s economy. The Honourable John Baird, Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister, today announced an additional investment of more than $2 million for the repair and restoration of the LaSalle Causeway Lift Bridge.
“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is turning short-term challenges into long-term strengths,” said Minister Baird. “By investing in bridges like the LaSalle Causeway, we are building a lasting legacy of sound infrastructure while creating jobs, right here in Kingston and across the country.”
The bascule bridge is raised for marine traffic—both commercial vessels and pleasure craft—and enables the crossing of more than 23,000 vehicles each day. This project will maintain the Causeway’s lifespan for another 25 years.
“We are getting shovels in the ground and people on the job quickly, while providing taxpayers with the accountability and transparency they expect and deserve,” said Minister Baird.
The restoration will begin in November 2009 and end in May 2010, as the work must be completed during the shipping off-season to allow for the continued use of the Causeway during its busy summer period.
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is the custodian of the LaSalle Causeway Lift Bridge. It will lead the restoration project that will include the complete removal of the lead paint from the structure and the application of a state of the art, three part coating system. There will be complete corrosion repairs, and improvements to the traffic barriers, the sidewalk railing and the sidewalk decking. The restoration project contract was awarded to Harrison Muir Inc., of Ajax, Ontario at the tendered price of $2,479,000.
Through the Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is investing $12 billion in new infrastructure funding for roads, bridges, broadband Internet access, electronic health records, laboratories and border crossings across Canada. Moreover, as part of this Plan, PWGSC will be investing more than $400 million over the next two years to renew federal public infrastructure.
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For further information, please contact:
Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Paradis
613-218-6961
Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Baird
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.
PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at: http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/medias-media/index-eng.html.
