THUNDER BAY – NEWS – “Our Government is pleased to provide Thunder Bay with flexible infrastructure funding that allows the city to support a multitude of projects. These local road and rail improvements, made possible by the Federal Gas Tax Fund, will ensure that drivers and train passengers can enjoy safe and smooth travel for years to come. The federal Gas Tax Fund will continue to aid municipalities like Thunder Bay, and continue to generate economic growth across Ontario.” stated Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources, Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Kenora.
Joint investments from the federal and municipal governments supported a number of projects in 2014, including local road infrastructure rehabilitations, railway crossing upgrades, and the design of a new retaining wall on one of the city’s most prominent streets.
Residents of Thunder Bay are benefitting from a series of local infrastructure improvements, thanks to contributions from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
In total, six local roads were improved throughout the city. Cornwall Avenue was completely reconstructed to include the addition of new sewers and water mains. Leslie Avenue and Lithium Drive were both repaved, as were Arthur Street, Begin Street and Edward Street; the latter will also boast new curbs, sidewalks, street lights, water mains and storm sewers in spring 2015. The newly rehabilitated roads will help improve traffic flow and increase safety, while sewer upgrades will contribute to protecting the environment and residents’ well-being.
Meanwhile, upgrades were also completed on the Canadian Pacific (CP) Island Drive and the Canadian National (CN) Mountdale Avenue spur track crossings. Work included the addition of new rail and new asphalt intersection surfaces to improve rideability and ensure safe and smooth travel for trains passing through the city. Planning and design has also begun on the replacement of a 100-year-old retaining wall on High Street. Replacing the wall will reduce long-term maintenance and repair costs while ensuring motorists’ safety.
- The Government of Canada contributed $1,778,500 through the federal Gas Tax Fund transfer towards these projects.
- The City of Thunder Bay was responsible for the remaining costs of these projects. The total project costs were $4,415,000.
- To date, a total of $50,770,423 has been made available to the City of Thunder Bay through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
“We are pleased that the Federal Government is supporting our efforts to address our City’s infrastructure needs. Improvements to infrastructure such as bridges, sidewalks, street lights and water mains play a critical role in the vitality of our City and contribute to quality of life for citizens, as well as visitors. This funding represents an ongoing investment in a healthy, vibrant, connected and strong City,” stated Mayor Keith Hobbs.
