Sep 28, 2009 09:15 ET
Canada and Ontario Invest in Niagara People Mover Projecthttp://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Infrastructure-Canada-1051143.html
NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 28, 2009) - The City of Niagara Falls will soon benefit from a new bus system thanks to a joint investment by the Governments of Canada and Ontario, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable George Smitherman, Deputy Premier of Ontario and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Kim Craitor, MPP for Niagara Falls, and His Worship Ted Salci, Mayor of Niagara Falls, announced today.
"The Government of Canada is proud to be a long-time supporter of this project," said Minister Nicholson. "The Niagara People Mover will contribute to easier movement of people in this great city. We are happy to join with the Government of Ontario and the City in making this long-awaited project a reality."
"With the Convention Centre coming on stream and the commitment to Casino Niagara, it's appropriate to get the People Mover Project moving forward again," said MPP Craitor. "The province's successful investment in the GO Train service to Niagara shows just how popular and needed a comprehensive integrated transit plan is to our tourist industry. This provincial investment on top of the 2003 federal government allocation will provide the funds to get people moving to our wonderful attractions quickly and efficiently."
"The new Niagara People Mover project will be a great way for local residents and tourists alike to further explore this vibrant and dynamic City," said Minister Smitherman. "Ontario's investment will help create jobs, build a stronger community, and provide economic stimulus to the area."
"The Niagara Falls People Mover Project is one of the most important projects to our city," said Mayor Salci. "This project will enable our city to fully integrate the transportation needs of both our residents and visitors alike while meeting the federal and provincial government objectives of developing employment and new growth in the City of Niagara Falls."
The Government of Ontario is setting aside one-half of eligible costs of the project, up to a maximum contribution of $25 million. The Government of Canada has previously announced the same contribution. The total estimated cost for the first phase of the Niagara People Mover project is $50 million.
The new bus system will enhance the existing transportation systems already in place. It is designed to provide greater access for visitors to the tourism facilities within the Niagara Falls area. The proposed route will also include a connection to the VIA station, where riders can access the new GO Transit service.
Demonstrating their commitment to stimulating the economy and creating jobs, the governments of Canada and Ontario are moving forward with a number of large scale infrastructure programs to assist Ontarians when they need it most. Both governments have jointly invested approximately $6.5 billion towards nearly 1,700 projects through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF), and the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure and Communities Components. These historical investments will help support job creation and strengthen Ontario's economy.
BACKGROUNDER
PEOPLE MOVER PROJECT
The City of Niagara Falls is one of Canada's most important tourism areas and improved services are necessary to ensure it remains a priority for visitors from around the world.
The City of Niagara Falls has long had a vision to provide a modern integrated people mover system to enhance the experience of visitors and extend their stay. Niagara Falls' current People Mover System was inaugurated in 1985.
The new bus system will enhance the existing transportation systems already in place. It is designed to provide greater access for visitors to the tourism facilities within the Niagara Falls area. The proposed route will also include a connection to the VIA station, where riders can access the new GO Transit service.
The Government of Canada has previously announced its contribution of up to $25 million towards this initiative, and today's announcement confirms matching funding from the Province of Ontario towards these improvements.
Federal and provincial financial support is conditional on the project meeting all applicable eligibility and approval requirements and on the signing of a contribution agreement with the City of Niagara Falls.