Campbell River, British Columbia, June 25, 2011 – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and MP for Vancouver Island North, Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley , and Charlie Cornfield, Mayor of Campbell River were on hand today to celebrate the completion of the South Island Highway Improvement Project. This project involves the upgrading of major water and sewer infrastructure systems, as well as upgrades to the roadway to help improve traffic flow between Hilchey Road and downtown Campbell River.
“Our government is committed to the safety and security of British Columbia motorists,” said Minister Duncan, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “The upgrades to this highway will reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow, resulting in a more efficient transportation system.”
"These improvements to Highway 19A are good for the residents of Campbell River and visitors to the area because it improves both the safety of the road and the surrounding infrastructure as well," said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae.
“This project has greatly improved the entryway to our city and includes important major upgrades to our sewer and water system. Together these elements help meet the needs of current residents and assist us prepare for growth as well,” said Mayor Charlie Cornfield.
The re-development of the highway between Hilchey Road and Rockland Road in Campbell River involves the creation of two divided lanes with a raised centre median, new sidewalk on the west side of the road, left turn lanes, roadside transit facilities, bicycle lanes, and a reconfigured Seawalk and park space with off-street parking, benches and public washrooms and the construction of a new sanitary lift station at Simms Creek.
This project will improve transportation safety and mobility by enhancing two-way traffic, improving intersection performance, and providing safer opportunities for u-turns and property access. The addition of signalized crossings, dedicated bus bays and shelters, and a new bicycle lane will improve access for pedestrians, transit riders, and cyclists.
To mark the completion of the project, two newly created welcome figures were installed in the park area adjacent to Highway 19A near the new lift station facility. Local artist and master carver Bill Henderson created both figures—a man with a copper and a woman wrapped in a blanket.
The Government of Canada is providing close to $4.4 million through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Province of British Columbia and the City of Campbell River also provided close to $4.4 million each for a total project budget of just over $13.1 million.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding to more than 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. Since March 2009, a total federal investment of over $500 million has been committed to well over 430 projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across British Columbia.
Since October 2008, the province of British Columbia has committed over $5.6 billion for accelerated capital projects. The province estimates this will generate more than 36,000 construction jobs over the life of the projects.
It is estimated that the South Island Highway (19a) Upgrade project created close to 78,600 man hours of employment or 37.8 years worth of work. Much of the work was completed by local contractors, including Upland Excavating Ltd. and Ketza Pacific Construction (1993) Ltd. both of Campbell River, BC who provided Prime Contractor services with many local firms participating as sub-contractors and suppliers. Design Engineering and Contract Administration services were provided by R.F. Binnie & Associates Ltd. of Parksville, BC and Highland Engineering and Surveying Ltd. and McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. both from Campbell River BC.
For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Contacts:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Craig Heinz
Communications Officer
Government Caucus of British Columbia
Telephone: (250) 356‐5352
Marci Hotsenpiller
Highway 19A Upgrade Communications
Campbell River
250-203-7867
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
