Strathcona County, Alberta, Tuesday, May 14, 2013 – Construction for the Capital Region's largest bus terminal has begun. The Bethel Transit Terminal, located on 700 Bethel Drive, Sherwood Park, is a $23-million transportation hub that will anchor intermunicipal transit service between Strathcona County and Edmonton, while serving as a base for local bus service within Sherwood Park.
Once complete, the Bethel Transit Terminal will quadruple its current parking to over 1,200 stalls while offering an enclosed, climate-controlled passenger platform that provides access to an off-street bus terminal that can accommodate more than 20 buses at a time. Environmentally conscious riders will enjoy improved pedestrian and bicycle access, while the larger kiss and ride area will facilitate safe and easy drop-off points.
In addition to improving service and removing cars from the road, the new transit facility will be barrier-free and constructed according to the LEED standard of environmental construction, demonstrating the County's commitment to environmental and social sustainability. Construction of the new terminal is expected to be complete by the end of 2013.
"Investments in infrastructure create jobs, support economic growth, and contribute to Canada's long-term prosperity,"
said the Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform) and Member of Parliament for Edmonton–Sherwood Park. "Our government understands the importance of public transit and is proud to support this project that will improve service and commute times for Strathcona County residents. This investment means transit riders can spend less time in traffic and more time with families and friends."
"The Alberta government is pleased to provide the major share of capital for this project – $13.6 million in GreenTRIP funding,"
said Ric McIver, Minister of Alberta Transportation. "This is about more than a new transit terminal, it is about increasing transit access for thousands of people and connecting communities. Projects like this show how partnerships are building Alberta and the Capital Region."
"There are over 5,500 commuter trips daily on our transit system,"
says Mayor Linda Osinchuk. "Through our partnership with the federal and provincial government, the new transit terminal will further bolster transit service, enhance rider experience and promote overall sustainability."
Strathcona County will be using $4,684,330 from its federal Gas Tax Fund transfer and Government of Alberta is investing $13,524,414 from the provincial GreenTRIP program towards this project. Strathcona County is providing the balance of funding towards the total project cost of $23,023,744.
Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a New Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail, and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories, and municipalities. 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 910,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. The New Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, will support Canada's infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.
GreenTRIP is a $2-billion program that provides one-time capital funding to support new and expanded public transit service throughout Alberta. This helps make public transit more accessible, and provides Albertans with a wider range of transit options for local, regional and intermunicipal travel. Including the $13.6 million for the Bethel Transit Terminal, more than $1 billion in GreenTRIP funding has been approved for transit projects in 15 municipalities.
Set in the centre of Alberta's energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a young, successful and vibrant community of more than 92,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.
Transit users are encouraged to visit the Bethel Transit Terminal Project or call 780-464-7433 for bus service adjustments during the construction period.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with Web feeds, visit Infrastructure Canada.
To find out what the Government of Canada is doing to promote jobs, growth and prosperity, visit Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Strathcona County media releases can be found at Strathcona County.
Marie-Josée Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
613-991-0700
Linda Osinchuk, Mayor
Strathcona County
780-464-8000
John Lear, Public Affairs Officer
Alberta Transportation
780-422-7080
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
