2 September 2010
Kitchener, Ontario
The Harper Government will provide one-third of eligible costs, up to $265 million, to support the construction of the rapid transit project for the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge region. The Government will support the project through the Building Canada Plan, which was accelerated through Canada's Economic Action Plan (EAP). When completed, the new light rail rapid transit will run between the cities of Waterloo and Kitchener, and include bus rapid transit service from Kitchener to Cambridge. The rapid transit plan announced today is expected to begin operating by 2015.
The Government's funding is conditional on the submission of final plan details by Waterloo Regional Council, and on the signing of a project-specific contribution agreement.
The Government has already announced 83 EAP projects in the Tri-Cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, strengthening the region's economy and securing its long-term growth and prosperity. Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Harper Government is investing in Canadian families and businesses to build stronger communities, modernize Canada's infrastructure and create jobs. EAP projects are supporting local economies and benefiting workers across the country, helping Canada emerge from the recession stronger, with a modernized, greener infrastructure to build the economy of tomorrow.
Since July 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan has contributed to the creation of nearly 400,000 net new jobs in the Canadian economy. Likewise, the Building Canada Fund advances national priorities that are important to all Canadians - a stronger economy, better communities and a cleaner environment - while addressing local and regional infrastructure needs.
