Internacional (Marketwired, 15 de Agosto de 2013) Three significant initiatives that will improve transit corridors in Whitehorse are starting this summer thanks to a joint investment from Canada and Yukon under the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund."Our government is proud to contribute to initiatives that make our local roads and bridges safer while creating jobs, stimulating the economy and improving the quality of life for Yukon residents," said Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. "These initiatives are vital to our public infrastructure and to the safety and well-being of our communities."
A $2-million reconstruction project on Range Road has started and is expected to be completed by the end of October. The initiative will cover the area from Mountainview Drive to Crow Street and will include asphalt resurfacing and the creation of a multi-use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists. Another initiative, the widening of the Robert Campbell Bridge, will allow for bike lanes, improve traffic flow on the bridge and increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. This $1.5-million initiative is expected to start later this summer.
The $500,000 Lewes Boulevard and Hospital Road intersection upgrade began in June and is expected to be completed by October. The work will include improving the turning lane and installing traffic lights, both of which will improve traffic flow.
"The improvements to infrastructure in key areas of Whitehorse will contribute to the overall well-being and long-term sustainability of the city," said the Honourable Brad Cathers, Minister of Community Services. "These investments help us address current and future needs, and improve the flow of both motorized and non-motorized traffic in Whitehorse."
"On behalf of Whitehorse residents, I would like to express my appreciation to our funding partners, the governments of Canada and Yukon," Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis said. "These infrastructure projects will produce tangible benefits for our citizens by the time winter comes around."
The Provincial-Territorial Base Fund is a key component of the 2007 Building Canada plan. Between 2007 and 2014, Yukon will receive a total of $182.91 million from the Government of Canada for core infrastructure priorities such as drinking water, wastewater, clean energy and safe roads. Funding is being made available to address territorial, local, and First Nation priorities and objectives. Over this period, Yukon and other partners will also contribute at least 25 percent of total eligible costs under the program, representing another estimated $60.97 million.
Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a New Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail, and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories and municipalities. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and its 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 965,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. The New Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, will support Canada's infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with Infrastructure Canada Web feeds, visit Infrastructure Canada's website.
For more information on how Yukon is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit the Yukon Department of Community Services website.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Contact Information
Marie-Josee Paquette, Press Secretary
Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and
Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic
Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838
Matthew Grant
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-393-6470
matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca
Stefanie Richardson
Communications, Community Services
Government of Yukon
867-667-5650
stefanie.richardson@gov.yk.ca
Gaelle Wells
A/Manager, Public Relations
City of Whitehorse
867-335-1186
gaelle.wells@whitehorse.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
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