Funding will create jobs, stimulate regional economy Coquitlam, British Columbia, December 4, 2009 – The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and the Member of Parliament for Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam, and his Worship Richard Stewart, Mayor of Coquitlam, today announced funding for the rehabilitation of the Lougheed and Barnet highways. Together, the Government of Canada and the City of Coquitlam are investing a total of $18.5 million through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“Improvements to the Lougheed and Barnet highways are yet another example of how Canada’s Economic Action Plan delivers for B.C.,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, remains focused on investing in infrastructure that will stimulate the economy and create jobs for Canadians.”
"We are thankful to the Federal Government to have been given this opportunity to move forward with this project," said Mayor Stewart. "It will result in a better movement of goods and traffic flow, and improvements to the drivability and safety of these critical highway segments."
Today’s announcement represents a contribution of $6.2 million from the Government of Canada and $12.3 million from the City of Coquitlam. This project will repair and rehabilitate approximately 190,000 square metres of pavement along the Lougheed and Barnet Highways. Improvements will reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Funding for today’s announcement comes from the federal $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund—a key component of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Fund invests in construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will reach completion by March 2011.
For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit
www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit
www.actionplan.gc.ca.
