Governments fund artificial turf field; rapid bus lane

September 25, 2009

PITT MEADOWS, BC – the Governments of Canada, B.C. and Pitt Meadows announced a joint investment of over $1.78 million through the Building Canada Fund and Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to get shovels in the ground to build a long anticipated artificial turf field.  The federal and provincial governments also announced $16 million in joint funding for a rapid bus lane on the Lougheed Hwy.

“By assisting Pitt Meadows in developing their infrastructure we are not only building a great place to live but we are also stimulating the local economy,” said Randy Kamp, MP for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission. “A lot of people have worked for a long time to see the dream of an artificial turf field in Pitt Meadows become reality and today was another significant step in that journey.  The rapid bus lane will also be an important addition to the region’s transportation network and we’re very pleased to be able to assist in making it happen.”

"The Government of B.C. is very pleased to participate with federal, municipal and community partners," said MLA Marc Dalton, on behalf of the Minister of Transportation, Shirley Bond. "I taught for seven years at Pitt Meadows Secondary and know that a turf field has been a long-time dream for the school and the community.”

“This project is about kids, community and collaboration.  The tremendous commitment demonstrated today from all three levels of government, the School District and the soccer and other sporting associations demonstrates the strength of and confidence in our community as we come out of this recession,” said Pitt Meadows Mayor, Don MacLean.  “I would like to commend both the Provincial and Federal government for having a vision that not only supports Pitt Meadows but enhances the economic recovery across the province and the country."

The project details are as follows:

Artificial Turf Field, Pitt Meadows. Contributions from federal, provincial and municipal governments: $1,785,252. This project will construct an artificial turf playing field, adjacent to Pitt Meadows Secondary School and the Pitt Meadows Athletic Park. The project scope will include: construction of an artificial turf playing field, bleachers, benches, goals, a lighting system, jogging trail and the demolition of an existing old track.  The Maple Ridge—Pitt Meadows School District will contribute an additional $300,000 to the project, and the Pitt Meadows Soccer Club will add $100,000.

Highway 7 Rapid Bus Lane, Pitt Meadows.  Project cost: $16,000,000.  This project will construct an additional Westbound lane on Highway 7 from the new Interchange to the Golden Ears Bridge to Harris Road intersection on Highway 7. (approx. 2.18 kms)

The Government of Canada's 2009 Economic Action Plan includes a vast array of initiatives to help to stimulate the economy, create jobs, build consumer confidence, and assist Canadians when they need it most during this global economic recession.  New large-scale infrastructure programs are one important element of this plan.

The project is funded under the Province's three-year, $14-billion capital infrastructure program that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

Since February about 480 projects worth $3.4 billion have been announced. These will create an estimated 21,600 jobs in communities across British Columbia.

For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca or www.bcbuildingcanadafundcommunities.ca. Information on the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is available at www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.