Improving the commute for residents of northeast Edmonton
Edmonton, Alberta, August 26, 2011– Edmonton Transit has officially opened the Eaux Claires Transit Centre at 97 Street and 157 Avenue. Representatives from the federal, provincial and municipal governments took part in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting today to mark the centre’s official grand opening.
“The Government of Canada is proud to be part of a project that not only promotes public transit but also contributes to a safer, more sustainable commuter system for the City of Edmonton,” said the Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform) and MP for Edmonton-Sherwood Park, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Projects like this one demonstrate our commitment to deliver results for communities across the country.”
“We are pleased that funding from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) will allow the City of Edmonton to provide its residents with a sustainable public transit alternative that will help increase transit ridership and reduce traffic congestion,” said Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Hector Goudreau. “Constructing additional public transit options will help foster Alberta’s growth in a responsible, environmentally-conscious way.”
“Transit centres like this new one, help to complete our overall system, providing the connection points in key locations to make it easier for people to access our growing system and to leave their cars behind,“ said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. “Convenient connectivity is an essential part of an effective service and City Council is committed to growing the strength and accessibility of our system every year, all across Edmonton.”
The building is designed to complement the surrounding neighbourhoods and features clear glass walls. A public washroom, security cameras, emergency phones and 17 bus bays provide a safe and comfortable environment for customers. With a 300-space park-and-ride, this transit centre is an ideal site from which to commute directly into downtown.
The governments of Canada and Alberta each contributed $4 million toward the project. The federal contribution came from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and the provincial contribution from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative. The City of Edmonton contributed the remaining one-third of funding toward the total eligible costs of $12 million.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding to more than 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. Since April 2009, 252 projects have received a total federal commitment of over $421 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across Alberta.
For further information on Infrastructure Canada’s investments in Alberta, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
About Edmonton:
This is a city alive with energy and boundless opportunity - a growing economic powerhouse where business thrives and more than a million lives enjoy the freedom to explore, experiment, experience, excel and expect the most out of every day. A place like no other, Edmonton is filled with surprises great and small and a calendar packed with artistic, sporting, theatrical and cultural celebration.
For more information on Edmonton, please visit www.edmonton.ca and www.edmontonstories.ca.
Contacts:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Michelle Davio
Communications
Alberta Municipal Affairs
780-427-8862 (w)
780-918-1221 (cell)
Patricia Dickson
Communications Officer
Edmonton Transit
780-496-5751
780-718-4478 (cell)
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
