Edmonton LRT project gets funding guarantee from Canadian government
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
The Canadian government has guaranteed up to CA$150 million (US$138 million) for the Valley Line Stage 1 Light Rail Transit expansion project in Edmonton, AB, under the New Building Canada Fund-Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component, bringing the total federal contribution to the project up to CA$400 million (US$386 million).
The expansion of the Valley Line will provide light-rail transit (LRT) service extending from Mill Woods Town Centre to 102 Street, including a transfer point with Edmonton’s existing LRT system, which serves the northeast, south and central areas of the city. The line will integrate directly into existing communities, with an initial projected daily ridership of 31,500 passengers, increasing to 42,000 by 2044.
By extending the transit system in Alberta’s fastest growing city, officials hope residents and visitors will benefit from improved connectivity that will make Edmonton a more mobile, efficient and attractive place to live, learn and work.
According to the city of Edmonton, this project will create the equivalent of 13,000 full-time jobs over a five-year construction period.
“Alberta supports municipalities in meeting their local needs and priorities. An effective transit system is a vital part of a busy, modern city where people need quick and easy connections within their communities,” said Wayne Drysdale, Alberta’s minister of Transportation and minister of Infrastructure.
