HAMILTON, ONTARIO – January 12, 2012 – Hamilton’s Public Works Department recently completed the construction of a new bridge on Parkdale Avenue over Lawrence Road, thanks to a contribution from Canada’s Gas Tax Fund.
“Our Government is proud to deliver long-term infrastructure funding for municipalities through a permanent annual investment of $2 billion through Canada’s Gas Tax Fund,” said David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Investing in local infrastructure creates jobs and economic growth, and the new Parkdale Avenue Bridge is a great example of how the Gas Tax Fund is delivering real results for Hamilton.”
“I am pleased that the Government of Canada shares our commitment to renewing Hamilton’s infrastructure,” said Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina. “This investment brings tremendous community renewal benefits to the Rosedale neighbourhood and area residents.”
The $2 million Parkdale Avenue Bridge project was fully funded by the Government of Canada through the Gas Tax Fund. The original bridge, built in 1955, required significant upgrades. Work began in July 2011 to remove the existing bridge structure entirely and replace it with a new pre-cast concrete girder and bridge deck. The construction of a new bridge, roadway, curbs and sidewalks are improvements that will result in more energy-efficient travel and a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
"The federal Gas Tax Fund acknowledges that all orders of government must work together to address the pressing need for infrastructure investment in our municipalities," said Gary McNamara, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). "Stable and predictable, the Gas Tax Fund is supporting long-term investment in local priority projects right across Ontario."
Canada's Gas Tax Fund provides municipalities with stable, long-term funding to build and revitalize public infrastructure. The fund primarily supports capital projects to improve local roads, public transit, energy systems, drinking water, air quality, wastewater and solid waste management. Through the Gas Tax Fund, the Government of Canada provides over $746 million in annual funding for municipal infrastructure in Ontario. In December 2011, the Government of Canada passed legislation that made the Gas Tax Fund a permanent annual investment of $2 billion.
Between 2010 and 2014, the City of Hamilton will receive over $123.8 million from Canada’s Gas Tax Fund. In 2011 alone, the City received nearly $31 million, which has been allocated to numerous road construction projects and transit enhancements.
Media Contacts:
Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Kelly Anderson
Public Affairs Coordinator
Public Works Department
City of Hamilton
905-546-2424, ext. 1430
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-Free 1-877-250-7154
