Hamilton, Ontario, November 5, 2012 – Families and businesses in the Hamilton area will benefit from major improvements to multiple bridges along Highway 403, thanks to a joint funding initiative announced by the Honourable Denis Lebel, Canada's Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation.
"Strengthening infrastructure is an important part of our government's plan to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,"
said David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale. "I'm particularly pleased with this investment because Highway 403 has played a vital role in the attractiveness of the Hamilton area for new and expanding businesses."
"These upgrades will contribute to the local economy and help reduce congestion on this busy stretch of highway that connects workers with jobs, products with markets and travellers with destinations,"
said Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament for Burlington.
"The improvements to these bridges along Highway 403 are welcome news to families and businesses in the Greater Golden Horseshoe,"
said Ted McMeekin, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale. "The construction will create jobs, boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for families along this highway corridor."
This Provincial-Territorial Base Fund initiative includes the rehabilitation of bridges on Highway 403, from Mohawk Road to Highway¦2 at Duff's Corners. This will ensure a smoother and safer commute for motorists. The governments of Canada and Ontario today announced a joint investment of up to $30.5 million in total eligible costs toward these improvements. These initiatives were identified in Ontario's 2012-13 Capital Plan under the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund.
Earlier today, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced investments of up to $113.2 million and $111.2 million respectively, towards infrastructure initiatives across the province, including improvements to Highway 403.
Under the Building Canada Plan, Canada and Ontario have partnered to provide strategic funding for priority infrastructure needs. Through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, the Government of Canada is providing $175 million to strengthen infrastructure in Ontario.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with Infrastructure Canada Web feeds, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit www.ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
David Salter
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure for Ontario
416-327-1815
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
