KELOWNA - Today, the Government of Canada, the Province of B.C. and the City of Kelowna announced $11.6 million in joint funding for the final phase of the John Hindle Drive extension project, allowing another option for students, staff and visitors en route to UBC Okanagan campus and throughout the city.

Thanks to the partnership between these three levels of government, construction of a 1.6 kilometer extension of John Hindle Drive will be able to move ahead. The project will consist of a two-lane roadway connecting Highway 97 to Glenmore Road at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) campus. It will also include the construction of a multi-use paved pathway for pedestrians and cyclists from Glenmore Road to the Hollywood Road roundabout at Highway 97 near the UBCO.

When complete, the extension of John Hindle Drive will improve traffic flow and travel times by creating alternate access to the UBCO campus, while diverting traffic from Highway 97, Glenmore Road, and Sexsmith Road. Overall, these improvements will increase safety and efficiency for area commuters, pedestrians and cyclists.

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada will contribute up to $3.5 million through the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component for this project. This funding is conditional on the project meeting applicable federal eligibility requirements with respect to the 2007 Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement.
• The Province of British Columbia is providing up to $3.5 million towards this project.
• The City of Kelowna is investing $4.6 million towards the total cost of $11.6 million.
• Phase one, which was completed earlier this year by the City of Kelowna, involved the extension of John Hindle Drive from Glenmore Road to the regional landfill site.

Quotes:

The Honourable Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country -

“The extension of John Hindle Drive will make travel safer and more efficient for Kelowna residents and visitors, as well as for students of nearby University of British Columbia Okanagan. Our Government is proud to provide significant funding for this project under the 2007 Building Canada Fund as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada. Another way we are doing so is through our $53-billion New Building Canada Plan, which is designed to support infrastructure projects of national, regional and local significance.”

The Honourable Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country -

“Our transportation investments are delivering excellent results for the Okanagan Valley, by helping to make travel safer and more efficient on Highway 97 and other critical transportation corridors. This new route will help support students, faculty and staff at UBCO and the Glenmore community, as well as relieve congestion and also contribute to the long-term economic growth of the region.”

Walter Gray, Mayor of Kelowna -

“We are excited to see this important multi-modal connection to UBC Okanagan move forward. The John Hindle road extension is a Council priority and has been in our long-term road network planning for many years. We acknowledge the collaborative effort of our partners, especially the provincial and federal governments. Our thanks also to the citizens and staff for creating something of great value for our community. Investment in multiple modes of transportation is so important to our continued community growth and quality of life.”

Associated Links:

To learn more about the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component (MIC) visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcf-fcc-eng.html

To learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C., go to: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

To stay informed about the John Hindle Drive extension project as it progresses, visit: http://www.kelowna.ca/cityprojects

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/plan-eng.html

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada’s Economic Action Plan at http://www.eap.gc.ca/

Contacts:

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Province of British Columbia
250-356-8241

Tom Wilson
Communications Supervisor
City of Kelowna
250-469-8663

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
media@infc.gc.ca  
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