3 September 2009
QUEENSTON, ONTARIO
Construction has begun on the rehabilitation of the Canadian Plaza at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. When completed the new Plaza will reduce border congestion and improve customs capacity at the vital Canada-U.S. border.
“The Queenston-Lewiston border crossing has played an important role throughout Canada’s history. Through this investment, it will be better positioned to play an equally important role in our country’s future,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who toured the construction site today. “This project means more jobs for local workers today. It will also ensure that Queenston will build on its position as a vital access point for continental trade.”
The construction currently underway is part of the second phase of improvements to the Canadian Plaza. It will include the construction of additional passenger and bus primary inspection lanes; commercial vehicle warehouse inspection facilities; passenger vehicle and bus inspection facilities; an animal inspection facility; and a new central building for the Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Earlier in the day the Prime Minister joined Minister of Justice and Attorney General Rob Nicholson in visiting the construction site of the new Niagara Convention and Civic Centre. When completed the convention centre will further enhance the position of Niagara Falls as a major convention destination. It is expected that the facility will attract approximately 500,000 visitors per year and create well-paid jobs in the Niagara Region.
“This new convention centre will help build on the established reputation of Niagara Falls as a major destination for the convention business, and it will create numerous spin-off benefits for the local economy,” said the Prime Minister. “It is the kind of long-term investment that the people of the Niagara Region deserve to see.”
