Joyce-Collingwood Station east stationhouse renovation complete

VANCOUVER, Oct. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Investing in public transit infrastructure is crucial to improving commute times, reducing air pollution and laying the foundation for economic growth and middle-class job creation.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Kevin Desmond, TransLink Chief Executive Officer, today marked a renovation milestone with the completion of upgrades to the east stationhouse at the Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain Station.

The station now features glass paneling to improve visibility and lighting, a new elevator and up-and-down escalators to meet modern accessibility standards, and a secure bike parkade to support integrated modes of transportation. These upgrades will make it easier and safer for passengers to get around the station and connect to SkyTrain services.

This first phase of upgrades to the Joyce-Collingwood Station cost approximately $27 million. The Government of Canada provided $5.7 million through the Building Canada Fund, the Government of British Columbia contributed $11.5 million and the remainder was provided by TransLink.

Work begins next month on the second phase of this initiative involving improvements to the west stationhouse and east bus loop. Provincial and federal support for this phase will be delivered through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.

Quotes

"Supporting new urban transit networks and service extensions is essential to meeting growing capacity needs, fostering economic growth and improving access to middle-class job opportunities. These upgrades to the east stationhouse are an important part of broader plans to enhance the Joyce-Collingwood Station and establish a more efficient and inclusive transit system in Metro Vancouver."  

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Better access to safe and reliable transit that benefits commuters and supports the region's transportation priorities is key for this government.  As part of our commitment to support investment in sustainable transportation initiatives for Metro Vancouver, I am pleased to celebrate this important renovation milestone that will improve capacity and help reduce station congestion."

The Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

"We are pleased to reach this milestone and I want to thank our customers and neighbours for their patience as we made these much-needed improvements to the Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain Station. This is a great example of all levels of government coming together to invest in infrastructure so we can meet the growing demand and shape the future of transit in the region."

Kevin Desmond, TransLink Chief Executive Officer

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• $25.3 billion of this funding will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2017/docs/plan/chap-02-en.html#Toc477707375

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/bc-eng.html

Building Canada Fund ? Major Infrastructure Component: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcf-fcc-eng.html

Public Transit Infrastructure Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php

Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada