Canada and Alberta reach funding agreement for transit projects

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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The governments of Canada and Alberta have reached an agreement that will make CA$1.08 billion (US$829 million) available for the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.

 

Canada will provide 50 percent, CA$543 million (US$416 million), for projects supported through these programs and the provincial government and municipalities will provide the balance of funding.

Officials said these investments ensure Canadians have safe and reliable water and wastewater treatment systems, as well as efficient, affordable and sustainable public transit systems.

Calgary and Edmonton saw the bulk of the approved public transit projects that will benefit from the funds. Highlights include CA$13.48 million (US$10.35 million) for light-rail station refurbishments in Calgary; CA$13 million (US$9.9 million) for the design of Edmonton’s Metro Line, NAIT to Blatchford and CA$19.5 million (US$14.96 million) for the preliminary design of Edmonton’s Metro Line Blatchford to Campbell Road.

Other transit projects to advance with funding include the light-rail vehicle purchases, power systems, crossing safety improvements and planning for additional light-rail lines.

“The government of Canada recognizes that we need a solid partnership with all orders of government to support infrastructure projects that help the middle class grow and prosper. Getting people where they need to go safely, quickly and comfortably is fundamental to economic growth and building an inclusive society,” said Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense Kent Hehr.

This funding is part of the first phase of Investing in Canada, the government of Canada’s historic CA$120-billion (US$92.6-billion) plan to support public infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years.

In late August, Canada and Ontario reached a similar agreement that makes CA$2.97 billion (US$2.3 billion) in combined funding available to public transit projects in the province.

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