Edmonton's Light Rail Transit System to Benefit from Government Partnership

News Release

Federal, provincial and municipal governments set aside funding to improve Edmonton transit

May 26, 2014 – Edmonton, Alberta – Infrastructure Canada

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, Regional Minister for Northern Alberta and Member of Parliament for Edmonton—Spruce Grove, today announced that the Government of Canada has set aside up to $150 million for the Valley Line Stage 1 Light Rail Transit expansion project in Edmonton under the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component.

This contribution would bring the total federal contribution to the project to up to $400 million. The Province of Alberta and the City of Edmonton are also partners on this project.

The expansion of the Valley Line will provide light rail transit (LRT) service extending from Mill Woods Town Centre to 102 Street, including a transfer point with Edmonton's existing LRT system, which serves the northeast, south and central areas of the City. The line will integrate directly into existing communities, with an initial projected daily ridership of 31,500 passengers, increasing to 42,000 by 2044.

By extending the transit system in Alberta's fastest growing city, residents and visitors will benefit from improved connectivity that will make Edmonton a more mobile, efficient and attractive place to live, learn and work. This important project will connect people and goods, and encourage job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity.

This project is the first funding announcement since the launch of the New Building Canada Fund, the Government of Canada's unprecedented long-term infrastructure plan.

Quick facts

The Government of Canada is setting aside up to $400 million for this project.
- Through the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component–National and Regional Projects (PTIC–NRP), up to $150 million is being earmarked for this project. This funding is conditional on the project meeting applicable federal eligibility requirements with respect to the New Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement.
- Through the P3 Canada Fund, up to $250 million has already been committed for this project.
- The combined federal funding from both of these sources is limited to 25% of the project's eligible costs.
The Government of Alberta will help finance up to $600 million towards this project.
- Approximately $300 million under GreenTRIP over the duration of the project, pending approval.
- Up to $150 million to match the federal government's New Building Canada Fund contribution.
- Up to $150 million in an interest-free loan to be repaid by the city over 10 years, fully backed by the Alberta Capital Finance Authority (ACFA).
The City of Edmonton is contributing up to $800 million towards the total project cost of $1.8 billion.
According to the City of Edmonton, this project will create the equivalent of 13,000 full-time jobs over a 5 year construction period.

Quotes

"The expansion of Edmonton's LRT system will ensure that residents and visitors have access to safe, reliable and efficient transit services for years to come. Through this project, the Harper Government is continuing to showcase its strong commitment to supporting infrastructure projects across Canada. We are proud to invest in projects like Edmonton's Valley Line, which focuses on promoting growth and building strong, prosperous communities in Alberta and across the country."

- The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, Regional Minister for Northern Alberta and Member of Parliament for Edmonton—Spruce Grove

"Alberta supports municipalities in meeting their local needs and priorities. An effective transit system is a vital part of a busy, modern city where people need quick and easy connections within their communities. As promised, we are providing matching dollars as well as GreenTRIP support for a project that will benefit Albertans and the environment for generations to come."

- The Honourable Wayne Drysdale, Alberta's Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure

"Today is another critical milestone in the development of the Valley LRT line. With today's announcement we can proceed with the Request For Proposals to build this LRT line without delay. A deal this large does not happen without enormous cooperation between the various orders of government, including our federal and provincial partners. Today, we are here to thank the federal government for investing in Edmonton and the Edmonton region."

- His Worship Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton

Associated links

Learn more about the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects.
Learn more about the Government of Alberta's Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP).
For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan.
To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy, consult Canada's Economic Action Plan.

Contacts

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838

Parker Hogan
Press Secretary
Minister of Infrastructure
Government of Alberta
Cell: 780-914-2869
Parker.Hogan@gov.ab.ca

John Brennan
Strategic Advisor to the Mayor
Office of Mayor Don Iveson
City of Edmonton
Office: 780-496-8104
Mobile: 780-405-5622
john.brennan@edmonton.ca
www.edmonton.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

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Edmonton's Light Rail Transit System to Benefit from Government Partnership

News Release

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