Hamilton, Ontario, Friday, March 15, 2013 – Motorists using Highway 403, one of Ontario's busiest highways in the Hamilton area, will benefit from major road and bridge improvements thanks to joint federal-provincial funding announced today, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure.
"Safe and dependable highways are essential for our economy to grow,"
said David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale. "Upgrading local transportation infrastructure supports productivity, facilitates trade and promotes economic development in our area."
"Our Government is proud to invest in these initiatives that contribute to safer, more efficient travel for local residents and visitors,"
added Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament for Burlington. "These projects will create jobs and contribute to our region's long-term economic prosperity by improving the flow of people and goods along Highway 403 for decades to come."
"Highway 403 is one of the most traveled highways in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, so it is critical that it is safe and efficient,"
said Ted McMeekin, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale. "These substantial road and bridge projects will extend the life of the structures and are part of the government's strategy to improve Ontario's transportation network."
The Government of Canada is setting aside up to $7.8 million under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund for rehabilitation and resurfacing work on Highway 403 from one kilometre west of Highway 6 (York Boulevard) to one kilometre west of Aberdeen Avenue. This will provide a safer and more efficient driving surface. The total cost of the project is estimated at $15.6 million with up to $7.8 million funded by the Province.
Federal funding under the Major Infrastructure Component is conditional upon the completion of a review of the project, the completion of environmental assessments and the signing of a contribution agreement.
The eastbound and westbound lane overpasses on the Desjardins Canal Bridge and the Highway 6 (Plains Road) underpass at Highway 403 will also be repaired to improve structural integrity and lifespan, contribute to better travel for motorists and reduce future maintenance costs. These two initiatives have been identified for up to $8.2 million in joint funding through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund.
The Government of Canada is providing a total of $175 million to 44 initiatives through the fund to strengthen infrastructure in Ontario. Ontario is contributing $173 million toward these initiatives, while other partners, including municipalities, will provide another $54 million. Supported projects include a number of bridge rehabilitations scheduled between spring 2013 and fall 2014 along Highway 403, totalling $41.2 million.
Canada's Economic Action Plan provides new opportunities for growth, job creation and long-term prosperity. Strengthening infrastructure across the country is an important part of this plan. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 950,000 net new jobs created since July 2009.
These investments support Building Together, the Province of Ontario's long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province's roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Since 2003, Ontario has invested approximately $75 billion in infrastructure. Building modern, efficient infrastructure has created or preserved close to 100,000 jobs each year, on average, making Ontario's economy more productive and improving quality of life, now and in the future.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with Web feeds, visit Infrastructure Canada's web site.
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure web site.
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Patrick Searle
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
