CANADA AND B.C. IMPROVE HIGHWAY SAFETY, CREATE JOBS

April 04, 2009

 

Kelowna, B.C. — An accelerated investment of up to $11 million for a highway improvement project near Kelowna, B.C. will create jobs, stimulate the economy and improve road safety, announced Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Rick Thorpe, MLA (Okanagan-Westside) today.

 “The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting infrastructure projects that will create jobs for Canadians and boost local economies,” said Minister Day. “This investment is an example of action that our Government is taking to contribute to British Columbia’s long-term economic growth while building strong and safe roads and bridges that are good for Canadians and communities alike.”

“This interchange is great news for the community,” said Okanagan-Westside MLA Rick Thorpe.  “This project will not only ensure the safe flow of traffic through the area, but will also support local jobs and economic growth in the region.”

The Westside Interchange project will replace the existing at-grade intersection of Westside Road and Highway 97A with a grade separated interchange, and an overpass at Spland Road. This will provide for safer and more efficient traffic flow on this important corridor. Construction is expected to begin in summer, 2009.

“This will be our second partnership with governments to deliver a major improvement at highway 97 and Westbank First Nation will once again be the partner responsible from conceptualization to delivery,” said Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie. “Our objective is to ensure that this project not only improves traffic efficiency in the region, but that it also supports Westbank First Nation’s goals for better access to reserve lands and for the facilitation of development and economic opportunities for our community.”

Both the province and the Government of Canada have identified this project as a priority for infrastructure funding consideration. The federal government is setting aside up to $11 million, which will amount to a maximum of 50 per cent of eligible costs, for this project. Federal funding is conditional on the project meeting all federal eligibility requirements of the Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement with the Province of B.C. The B.C. government is contributing over $22 million for this project.

The Government of Canada is accelerating and expanding recent historic federal investments in infrastructure with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years.

This project is part of an overall $14 billion capital infrastructure program supported by the province to create jobs and vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.