No. H038/10
For release - April 1, 2010
Photo(s)
FORT ERIE, ONTARIO — The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Mr. Ken Schoetz, chairman of the board of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the start of construction on the Peace Bridge Commercial Lane Traffic Improvements project.
“As the third-busiest Canada-U.S. commercial truck crossing, the Peace Bridge is essential to trade with the United States,” said Minister Nicholson. “The Government of Canada is proud to have invested in this project, which is creating local jobs today in Fort Erie and the Niagara Region, while contributing to efficient trade and travel over the long term.”
“The Peace Bridge Authority is pleased to be able to partner with the Canadian government on this project. Transportation infrastructure, particularly international bridges, is key to enhancing and maximizing the binational trade and tourism relationship between Canada and the United States,” said Mr. Schoetz. “These improvements will help expedite commercial crossings into Canada, thereby reducing congestion and traffic queues, and allowing the Peace Bridge to function more efficiently.”
This project includes the construction of a fifth primary inspection lane and booth for Canada-bound commercial vehicles and a designated Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) area. Construction at the Peace Bridge is scheduled to be complete in summer 2010.
The Government of Canada’s contribution of up to $1 million, through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, represents 50 per cent of the total eligible costs. The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority will contribute the remaining $1 million.
The Government of Canada is taking important steps to support economic growth. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides for almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years and accelerates the $33-billion Building Canada Plan. This will contribute to long-term economic growth in communities across Canada through investments in public infrastructure, such as roads, water treatment, green energy and transit.
A backgrounder with more information on the Peace Bridge Commercial Lane Traffic Improvements project is attached.
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The Peace Bridge was completed and officially opened to traffic in June 1927, connecting Fort Erie, Ontario, to Buffalo, New York. Its name came from the commemoration of more than 100 years of peace between the United States and Canada. It is a premier international border crossing providing access to many world-renowned travel destinations in the Golden Horseshoe, the Greater Toronto Area and New York State.
The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority maintains the Peace Bridge. The Authority’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally sensitive and cost-effective channel for international travellers, and to positively impact trade and tourism locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
The proposed $2-million Peace Bridge Commercial Lane Traffic Improvements project will construct a fifth primary inspection lane and booth for Canada-bound commercial vehicles and a designated area for Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) inspections. The federal contribution of up to $1 million, through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, represents 50 per cent of the total eligible costs. Construction at the Peace Bridge is scheduled to be complete in summer 2010.
In 2009, the Peace Bridge was the third-busiest commercial truck international crossing, with two-way traffic totalling 1,117,312 trucks.
April 2010
