$1.3 million funding secured for transit plans in Alberta communities

Bus transportation is essential in small communities

The Canadian province of Alberta has announced funding for major transit projects in three of its communities.

Bus transportation is essential in small communities

The governments of Canada and Alberta recognise that investing in public transit infrastructure is crucial to achieving economic growth, reducing air pollution and creating inclusive communities where everyone has access to public services and job opportunities.

Project funding

Brian Malkinson, MLA for Calgary-Currie, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Mason, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation; and His Worship Glen Fagan, Mayor of the Town of Black Diamond, announced the approval of more than $1.3 million for new transit projects in three Alberta communities. The federal government is providing $138,000 for these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) and the province is investing more than $903,000. The municipalities will be responsible for the remaining costs.

The projects consist of obtaining a fully accessible compressed natural gas bus, as well as five bus shelters in the town of Pincher Creek – to improve user safety and comfort – and implementing a Park & Ride facility with washrooms in Turner Valley. Additionally, the town of Black Diamond will purchase three new vehicles adapted to accommodate wheelchair use, to improve its inter-municipal transit system.

Agreement proves fruitful

These projects follow 107 others that have been approved for funding since Canada and Alberta signed the Canada-Alberta PTIF and Clean Water and Wastewater Fund Bilateral Agreement in September 2016. The Government of Alberta has also announced support for another 34 projects that are receiving GreenTRIP only funding.

Commenting on the driving force behind these projects, The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities said, “The Government of Canada is working closely with the Government of Alberta to make strategic infrastructure investments that support middle-class job creation and economic growth.

The importance of enabling residents of small communities to have easy access to transport is not lost on the Canadian Government; The Honourable Brian Mason, Alberta Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation commented, “This funding demonstrates our government’s commitment to make life better for Albertans by providing smaller communities with safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable public transportation options. Regional public transit is critical for residents in smaller cities and towns, giving residents better access to jobs, healthcare, education, recreation and shopping in larger centres, while supporting local growth.”

On-It access

The importance of co-operation and development partnerships is vital to drive growth in urban transport systems. His Worship Glen Fagan, Mayor of the Town of Black Diamond, noted, “As the town continues to thrive and grow, more people will be able to take advantage of the benefits offered by public transit, particularly the On-It regional transit pilot project.”

The initiator of the On-It Regional Transit programme, the Calgary Regional Partnership, worked closely with the Ministry of Transportation and welcomed the news of this recent funding. Colleen Shepherd, Executive Vice-President of the Calgary Regional Partnership, commented on behalf of Calgary Regional Partnership Chairman, Mayor Bill Robertson, “We believe a collaborative approach is more critical now than ever, and we applaud the forward thinking of the Government of Alberta and the federal government in supporting this initiative. The Calgary Regional Partnership works closely with the participating communities and we are delighted to see those affected communities have better access to transit options.”