No. H023/02
For release March 13, 2002

SASKATOON GETS FUNDING FOR
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS PROJECT

OTTAWA -Saskatchewan’s Federal Cabinet Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced that the Government of Canada has committed $250,000 for a cost-shared project in Saskatoon under Transport Canada’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Deployment and Integration Plan. Funding will be provided to The City of Saskatoon to implement an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) that will modernize the city’s traffic system.

“This funding will help accelerate deployment and integration of ITS in Saskatoon,” said Mr. Goodale. “The region will benefit from the implementation of this advanced technology which will improve the safety and efficiency of the city’s roadways.”

The ATMS will operate 80 intersections and five temperature alert stations in Saskatoon and will minimize traffic congestion and delays, alert crews to accidents, and provide drivers with up-to-date road information.

There is a need to modernize and optimize Canada’s transportation system to achieve the high level of mobility demanded today. Intelligent Transportation Systems can transform the way we build, manage and operate the transportation system. ITS include advanced systems for: public transit, traffic management, traveller information and vehicle control, commercial vehicle and fleet management, and rural transportation. They also include the application of advanced technologies, including information processing, communications, and sensing and control.

“Stimulating development and deployment of ITS through partnerships is an important step in demonstrating the Government of Canada’s commitment to innovative advances in transportation technology,” said Mr. Collenette.

Funding for this project comes as part of the Government of Canada’s Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP), which was announced on April 3, 2001. The funds identified under SHIP will be used to continue to advance the deployment of ITS across Canada. Final approval is subject to the successful conclusion of a contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the City of Saskatoon.

For more information, refer to Transport Canada’s ITS web site at www.its-sti.gc.ca.

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Contact:

Brian McGregor
Communications, Ottawa
(613) 991-3409

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