New federal-provincial funding agreement to support important public transit projects in Calgary

Investing in local infrastructure ensures Canadians have safe water and wastewater treatment systems that they can rely on. It also supports efficient, affordable and sustainable public transit systems to get to work, school and public services on time and back home safely at the end of a long day.

The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, today announced that three transit infrastructure projects will be getting under way in Calgary thanks to the signing of an agreement with the Province of Alberta that will make more than $1.08 billion in funding available under two new federal programs – the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.

Also announced today was an initial list of approved projects in Alberta, including important investments in three major projects in Calgary: an $85-million expansion of the Southeast Bus Rapid Transitway, funding for light rail vehicles, and the refurbishment of several transit stations. More funding for Calgary transit projects will be announced in the coming weeks.

 “The Government of Canada recognizes that we need a solid partnership with all orders of government to support infrastructure projects that help the middle class grow and prosper. Getting people where they need to go safely, quickly and comfortably is fundamental to economic growth and building an inclusive society, and I’m very pleased to see how this new funding program will result in widespread benefits for Calgary transit users.”

Seventeen water and wastewater projects across the province were also announced. For example, a regional water supply system extension in Beaver Mines Regional Water Supply in the MD of Pincher Creek and County of Forty Mile will give residents access to clean and reliable drinking water, supporting future growth and quality of life, and better protecting the local environment.

“Working together, we are improving people’s access to clean water, improved wastewater treatment facilities and public transportation, all while supporting economic growth. These investments not only help Albertans get back to work, they also mean better services and better quality of life for everyone.”

The federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of funding – more than $543 million – for projects supported through these programs and the provincial government and municipalities will provide the balance of funding.

“Today’s announcement makes it clear that all three orders of government know the value public transit brings to our community. This is an important investment in greater access to efficient, reliable, and safe transit for Calgarians. It is also an investment in the economy and mobility for all citizens.”

Quick facts

• This funding is part of the first phase of Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada’s historic $120-billion plan to support public infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years.
• Phase 1 provides more than $11.9 billion in investments to support public transit systems, green infrastructure projects, and social infrastructure projects. Details on Phase 2 of Investing in Canada will be announced over the coming months.
• Under this agreement, the Government of Canada has made its funding retroactive to April 1, 2016, so projects can proceed without delay to ensure a productive construction season.
• Transit projects outside of Edmonton and Calgary will be announced in the coming weeks.
• This funding will add to the Government of Alberta’s Budget 2016 five-year commitment to invest more than $1.9 billion in municipal water and wastewater improvement projects and public transportation across the province.
• On July 6, 2016 the Government of Alberta expanded the Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP) criteria to include all projects that would be eligible under the federal Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.
• The deadline for municipalities to submit applications for the third call for Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP) projects was August 31, 2016. Approved projects, including some eligible for PTIF funding, will be announced in the coming weeks.
• The Government of Alberta funding for announced clean water projects will come from the province’s Water for Life grant program.
• No Water for Life projects were approved for nearly three years until the Alberta Government committed to spend $595 million over the next five years to fund vital water and wastewater projects.
• The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund projects announced today are in addition to the more than 50 projects approved in June 2016 to receive a total of $117 million under the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership.