Canada and Port Metro Vancouver Provide Infrastructure Boost to Stimulate Economy

• Backgrounder

Vancouver, British Columbia, September 23, 2009 – The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Canada's Minister of State (Transport), today announced funding up to nearly $42 million for 14 Port Metro Vancouver infrastructure projects, under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

The Government of Canada will provide Port Metro Vancouver with up to nearly
$21 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to make important upgrades to the Port's infrastructure. The Port will invest an identical amount.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is investing in new port projects today as part of our larger plan to create local jobs, stimulate British Columbia's economy, and ensure Canada emerges strong from an economic downturn,” said Minister Merrifield. “We are proud to partner with Port Metro Vancouver to get these 14 projects underway, and ensure British Columbia has lasting and durable port infrastructure.”

The 14 infrastructure projects are diverse, ranging from the installation of waterlines to service the Richmond Logistics Hub, to upgrading seismic capacity of three buildings at the Lynnterm Terminal, to upgrading water and storm sewers systems on the south shore to enhance emergency preparedness for south shore terminals in the event of a fire, spill or similar event, to the creation of a Fusion centre to manage the Port's operations and manage communications to ensure safe, secure and sustainable operations.

“Port Metro Vancouver appreciates the Government of Canada's commitment to serve the nation's international trade requirements through this leading gateway,” said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. “By matching the Government of Canada's investment, the Port will help deliver the transportation infrastructure our commercial user's need, while securing jobs and providing economic value for communities.”

The new federal $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this year's and next year's construction seasons. Federal funding is conditional on the projects meeting all federal program and environmental requirements and the signing of a contribution agreement.

To date, 210 infrastructure projects in British Columbia will receive a joint federal-provincial investment of $370 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

For more information on the Economic Action Plan, please visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Contacts:

Chris Hilton
Press Secretary
Office of Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister
613-991-0700

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148

Backgrounder
Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to upgrade Port Metro Vancouver

The Government of Canada will provide Port Metro Vancouver with up to nearly $21 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to make important upgrades to the Port's infrastructure. The Port will invest an identical amount.

The Government of Canada introduced the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, to quickly inject funds into community infrastructure projects that can be completed in the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.

The 14 infrastructure projects are diverse, ranging from the installation of waterlines to service the Richmond Logistics Hub, to upgrading seismic capacity of three buildings at the Lynnterm Terminal, to upgrading water and storm sewers systems on the south shore to enhance emergency preparedness for south shore terminals in the event of a fire, spill or similar event.

Other projects include the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of No. 8 and Blundell, and the creation of a Fusion Centre to manage the Port's operations and manage communications to ensure safe, secure and sustainable operations.

Among the results expected for this project:

• improving the way in which bulk cargo is placed into port terminals;
• improving traffic movement in and around ports; and
• upgrading facilities to better protect workers from potential earthquakes.

The federal financing will come from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund pursuant to the signing of a contribution agreement with Port Metro Vancouver. Federal funding is conditional on the projects meeting all federal program and environmental requirements and the signing of a contribution agreement.

List of Projects:

1. Richmond Properties – No. 8/Blundell Traffic Signal and Rail Crossing Improvements Project
2. Fraser Richmond-North Access Road Services Extension Project
3. Lynn Creek Rail Bridge Addition – Port Metro Vancouver, North Vancouver, North Shore Trade Area
4. South Shore Roadway Upgrade – McGill Overpass
5. North shore – Lynnterm Seismic Upgrade
6. Richmond Logistics Hub – Offsite Waterloop Feeder Loop Project
7. Salter Street Access Road
8. South Shore Water and Sewer Improvements
9. Centerm Shed 1 Seismic Upgrade
10. Port Metro Vancouver Fusion Centre
11. North Arm Marine Facilities Capital Improvements
12. North shore – Access road to Vancouver Drydock
13. Richmond Office Seismic Upgrade
14. Annacis Island Parkway Pavement Renewal