No. H100/03
For release September 12, 2003

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND PROVINCE
OF MANITOBA CONTRIBUTE $15.72 MILLION
TO THREE HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

WINNIPEG — The Honourable Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, regional Minister for Manitoba, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, together with Manitoba Transportation Minister Scott Smith today announced that the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba will contribute joint funding of $15.72 million for three highway construction projects along the Trans-Canada Highway 1 in Manitoba. The funding falls under the Canada/Manitoba Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP). 

“These three projects to upgrade the Trans-Canada Highway reaffirm the federal and provincial governments’ commitment to invest in Manitoba’s highways,” said Minister Pagtakhan. “The allocation of resources towards the modernization of transportation infrastructure in the province is a positive step towards maintaining an excellent road system. ”

“I am pleased that funds from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program are being used for these highway improvement projects along the Trans-Canada Highway,” said Mr. Collenette. “These projects will help maintain and upgrade existing roads which will enhance public safety and benefit communities, visitors and trade in Manitoba.”

“Transportation is a major factor in our national, provincial and local economies. These projects on the Trans-Canada Highway underscore our shared commitment to continued infrastructure investment to maintain this vital asset,” said Mr. Smith. “Working with our federal colleagues through initiatives such as SHIP we are rebuilding an important foundation for Manitoba’s – and Canada’s – future prosperity.”

A 19-kilometre section of the Trans-Canada Highway 1 beginning at Provincial Highway 256 near Elkhorn and ending 1.2 km west of Provincial Highway 83 will be upgraded to four lanes, with intersection improvements at key locations. It is expected that these improvements will enhance safety for the public driving through Manitoba.

The second project will improve safety at the intersection of Highway 1 at Coverall/Husky, located west of Winnipeg. The project involves upgrading the intersection to meet current standards and will include the provision of turning lanes, a raised median to separate opposing lanes of traffic and the installation of, and adjustments to, traffic signals, lighting and signs. It is expected that these improvements will increase safety at this intersection.

At the intersection of Highway 1 at the John Blumberg Sports Complex, work will be done to provide turning lanes and install a raised median to separate traffic travelling in opposite directions. In addition, an existing culvert will be replaced along with the installation of and adjustments to traffic signals, lighting and signs.

Under the SHIP agreement, the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba are providing joint funding of $40.4 million until March 2006 for highway improvement projects in the province. The Canada/Manitoba SHIP agreement, signed January 24, 2002 is part of the national $600 million SHIP program announced by Mr. Collenette in April 2001.

Federal funding for these projects is built into the existing financial framework. 

A backgrounder with further information on SHIP is attached. 

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BACKGROUNDER

STRATEGIC HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM – MANITOBA

In the February 2000 budget, the Government of Canada committed to improve the economy and the quality of life for Canadians by investing up to $600 million over five years in highway infrastructure across Canada. In April 2001, Transport Minister David Collenette announced the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP). The program has two components: a $500 million highway construction component and a $100 million national system integration component. 

Under SHIP, $500 million, including $15 million in administrative costs, is available to address the needs of Canada’s highways until March 2006. The program formally began in fiscal year 2002-2003. The Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories to identify those parts of the national highway system that — because of growing traffic, safety concerns and increasing trade — need immediate attention. This will result in a safer and more efficient highway system for all Canadians.

An allocation formula has been developed to distribute the $485 million available to the provinces and territories for road construction under SHIP. The formula consists of a minimum of $4 million per jurisdiction plus a share based on population and a 50-50 cost-sharing ratio. Under this formula, the total allocation for the Province of Manitoba is $40.4 million ($20.2 million federal/$20.2 million provincial). Under previous joint highway funding agreements since 1987, Transport Canada contributed $45 million to Manitoba. This brings the total funding from Transport Canada to $65.2 million.

Environmental assessments that meet the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act will be undertaken before these projects begin. Funding for the projects is conditional on the results of these assessments.

SHIP will also provide $100 million nationally to fund initiatives that better integrate the transportation system. These include the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems across Canada, improvements to border crossings and better transportation planning. Intelligent Transportation Systems include applications such as advanced systems for traveller information, traffic management, public transport, commercial vehicle operations, emergency response management and vehicle safety.

SHIP continues the Government of Canada’s long tradition of highway funding that started more than 80 years ago. In fact, Transport Canada will have invested more than $1.8 billion between 1993 and 2003 to improve highways across Canada. The federal government also invests in transportation-related infrastructure through other programs such as the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the Border Infrastructure Fund. 

For more information on the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program, please visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/SHIP/menu.htm.

For more information on the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the Border Infrastructure Fund, please visit www.infrastructurecanada.gc.ca. 

September 2003