The federal and provincial governments will invest $2 million to improve the flow of vehicle traffic and link communities on the south side of the Fraser River via a new road connection between the new Golden Ears Bridge and Maple Ridge town centre.  Randy Kamp, Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission, and Randy Hawes, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission announced the funding through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF) today.

“Upgrades to this intersection will improve traffic flow in the area of Maple Ridge and, as a result, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mr. Kamp on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership with the Province of British Columbia. We are delivering on our promise to help our communities become vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families.”

The funding will improve the intersection of Abernethy Connector and 224 Street by realigning a 200-metre section, removing a 90-degree bend and developing a multi-use urban trail. This project is conditionally approved pending the successful completion of an environmental assessment.

“Building urban trails encourages residents to leave their vehicles at home and have a positive impact on the environment,” said MLA Hawes. “This project is one of the many ways government is playing a pivotal role in creating greener, healthier and more sustainable communities.”

Under the initial CBCMRIF Agreement signed in June 2006, the federal and provincial governments each committed $51 million to the fund, with participating local governments expected to make up the remaining costs. This year, the Government of Canada and the Province of B.C. have each provided an additional $23.5 million to the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs.  This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment, with matching local government contribution in CBCMRIF projects, to over $220 million.

The majority of the funding is targeted towards communities of fewer than 250,000 people, and at least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with “green projects” such as drinking water supply, treatment and distribution needs, as well as wastewater and energy efficiency projects. The remaining funds will be dedicated to other projects such as tourism, recreation and other infrastructure.

More details on the program are available through the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund website, at http://www.canadabcmrif.ca/.

For additional information, contact:

Karl Yeh
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Tel: (604) 666-4714

Marc Black
B.C. Ministry of Community Services
(250) 356-6334