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News Release
September 06, 2005
EDMONTON LRT EXPANSION TO BE FUNDED UNDER THE
NEW DEAL FOR CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
EDMONTON, Alberta, September 6 – Residents of the City of Edmonton will be among the first in Canada to benefit from the transfer of federal gas tax revenues through the New Deal for Cities and Communities.
At a groundbreaking event on Tuesday, Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of John Godfrey, Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities), Rob Renner, Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs, and Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel made the very first project announcement under the New Deal’s gas tax transfer – the south line expansion of the Edmonton South Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.
This announcement reflects the commitment of the governments of Canada and Alberta to work together with Alberta municipalities under the New Deal for Cities and Communities to create strong, sustainable, vibrant communities.
A $108-million federal investment is being provided to the City of Edmonton over the next five years through the Canada-Alberta agreement on the transfer of federal gas tax revenues.
In addition, the Alberta government is providing approximately 2.5 hectares of provincially owned land at the Neil Crawford Provincial Centre. The funding and land will provide the City of Edmonton with the opportunity to get the south expansion of its LRT system underway.
“This investment is about the Government of Canada supporting a better transit system and a healthier environment for the residents of Edmonton,” said Deputy Prime Minister McLellan. “By focusing gas tax funds on environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure, like the LRT project, we are working to ensure that our cities and communities have access to the long-term, stable funding they need to improve the quality of life for all Canadians.”
People travelling by public transit will help in providing a host of benefits to Canadians, including cleaner air and fewer greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.
In addition, by reducing traffic congestion and supporting the mobility of people and businesses, the LRT helps keep Edmonton liveable, mobile, attractive and more competitive.
“This project demonstrates Alberta’s commitment under the New Deal to place the funding directly into the hands of the municipalities as they know best how to address their infrastructure challenges,” said Rob Renner, Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs. “Through partnerships like this, we’re working towards finding continued long-term, stable funding solutions for Alberta municipalities.”
According to Capital City Mayor, Stephen Mandel, “Edmonton is pleased that our South LRT Extension is the first project to benefit from the New Deal for Cities and Communities and its gas tax transfer. Public transit – particularly this type – represents the kind of environmentally sustainable infrastructure that cities must incorporate. It's part of smart growth and development and it's key in managing some of the challenges that come with being part of the country's strongest economy. We're glad for the strengthened commitment among Municipal, Federal and Provincial governments that this New Deal brings.”
Details on the LRT expansion can be found at www.edmontonslrt.com. More information on Canada and Alberta infrastructure investments and the New Deal for Cities and Communities can be found at www.infrastructure.gc.ca or http://www.trans.gov.ab.ca/Content/doctype607/production/ndcc.htm.
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For media calls:
Infrastructure Canada
Communications and Promotion
(613) 948-1148
Carla Ventin
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities)
(613) 948-2688
Martin Dupuis
Assistant Director of Communications
Alberta Infrastructure & Transportation
(780) 427-1938
Wayne Mandryk
Manager, Transit Projects Office,
Transportation & Streets Department
City of Edmonton
(780) 496-8118
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