THUNDER BAY – $61.3 million for infrastructure has been announced for Northwestern Ontario bridges. The announcement made in Thunder Bay by the Governments of Canada and Ontario highlighted, from federal Minister Steven Fletcher, Ontario Minister Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro MPP the importance of both senior levels of government working together. 

$61.3 million for infrastructure – Bridge Upgrades

“Our infrastructure investments are an important driver of economic growth and job creation in Northern Ontario and across Canada,” said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Transport. “We are proud to support these initiatives that will connect workers with jobs, keep trade moving and help our economy remain competitive well into the future.”

Minister Fletcher shared how some of his experiences in our region, the most beautiful part of Canada, by canoe trip were very memorable to him

Improvements on the way for Northern Highways… by NNLTBay

Bridges are a lifeline for our communities. They connect us and allow for the safe and efficient thoroughfare of residents and visitors alike, as well as the transport of goods through our region. Providing the funding to maintain and rehabilitate these bridges is essential to the economic well-being of our communities in the North,” said Michael Gravelle, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North and Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

“Maintaining our roads and bridges is essential to our Northern economy,” said Bill Mauro, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. “Replacing these bridges will ensure safer trips for residents and visitors and bring good jobs to the people of Northern Ontario.”

These eleven bridge rehabilitation initiatives will improve various highways throughout Northern Ontario. Once complete, motorists can expect improved driving conditions and highway operations throughout the region.

Minister Michael Gravelle shares insights

Minister Michael Gravelle speaking on Roads… by NNLTBay

These are 11 of 44 initiatives receiving more than $61.3 million in joint federal-provincial funding through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund. Under this program, the Government of Canada is providing $175 million to strengthen infrastructure throughout Ontario. The Province is contributing $173 million to Provincial-Territorial Base Fund initiatives, while other partners, including municipalities, will provide another $54 million.

Bill Mauro Discusses Infrastructure Announcement

Federal and Ontario Governments announced road… by NNLTBay

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides new opportunities for growth, job creation and long-term prosperity. Strengthening infrastructure across the country is an important part of this plan. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 950,000 net new jobs created since July 2009.

“Todays announcement by Minister Steven Fletcher is very significant for the region.  Infrastructure investment is not absolutely key to achieving the economic potential of the region but it is critically important in providing community access.  Both the federal and provincial governments are recognizing how vital such announcements are in achieving our economic and social sustainability,” stated Steve Demmings, the CEO of the Community Economic Development Commission for the City of Thunder Bay.  

Minister Fletcher shares enthusiasm

Minister Stephen Fletcher talks about roads and… by NNLTBay

These investments support Building Together, the Government of Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province’s roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Since 2003, Ontario has invested approximately $75 billion in infrastructure. Building modern, efficient infrastructure has created or preserved close to 100,000 jobs each year, on average, making Ontario’s economy more productive and improving quality of life, now and in the future.