GOVERNMENT OF CANADA DELIVERS GREEN TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES IN WATERLOO

January 23, 2009

 

(Friday, Jan 23, 2009) WATERLOO — The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology announced today that the Government of Canada will invest in a project in Waterloo that supports environmentally friendly transportation under the ecoMOBILITY program.

“Our government is supporting projects that are good for our economy and our environment,” said Minister Goodyear.  “This project will help improve the public transit system, promote eco-friendly transportation and encourage infrastructure investments.”

The Government of Canada will invest $180,000 in Becoming Travel Wise, advancing Transportation Demand Management in the Region of Waterloo.  This program is aimed at encouraging new transit in suburban residential communities, promoting a new, transferable transit pass and assisting municipalities in developing parking management tools.

“Our Government is investing in projects which will cut emissions and promote greener transportation alternatives,” said Canada’s Transport Minister, John Baird.  “This is an example of what the Government is doing to boost the economy and create new jobs.”

The ecoMOBILITY program works with provinces, municipalities and regional transportation authorities to help develop initiatives that encourage commuters to choose public transit or other alternatives to personal vehicles. Through the program, the government is taking action to find ways to meet transportation needs, reduce costs to Canadians and protect the environment.

This program is part of the Government of Canada’s ecoTRANSPORT Strategy, which has three goals: 1) improving the health of Canadians by reducing the environmental impacts of transportation; 2) contributing to Canada’s future prosperity and competitiveness by making critical transportation infrastructure sustainable; and 3) promoting an efficient transportation system that supports choice and the high quality of life Canadians expect.

Waterloo Region MP’s, Stephen Woodworth, Harold Albrecht and Peter Braid as well as Regional Chair Ken Seiling also took part in the announcement.