Canada and Ontario invest in modern public transit and bridge infrastructure in Temiskaming Shores and Coleman Township

Temiskaming Shores
Temiskaming Shores (photo by P. James Franks - Wikipedia)

Ontario Construction News staff writer

In Temiskaming Shores, public transit users will benefit from five new low-floor buses that will improve reliability and comfort for riders. Four bus shelters will be replaced and two more will be added, providing passengers with greater safety and better protection from the elements. New fare payment technology will enable customers to use contactless payment with reloadable cards.

“The projects announced today will enable the residents of Temiskaming Shores and Coleman Township to get to their destinations safely and conveniently. Investing in modern public transit systems and roads and bridges is essential for building healthier, more sustainable communities for tomorrow,” said Marc Serre, MP for Nickel Belt.

“This is a great example of how we are working with our partners to build stronger, more resilient infrastructure that will serve communities across Canada now and in the future.”

In Coleman Township, the existing single-lane Larose Bridge will be replaced with a new, two-lane structure to improve safety and reliability for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The new bridge will support better traffic flow, reduce service interruptions, and improve emergency service response times.

The Government of Canada is investing over $1.2 million in these projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) and more than $2.9 million through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) of the Investing in Canada plan.

“These long-awaited improvements to transit infrastructure in Temiskaming Shores and Coleman Township will improve safety and accessibility for public transit users, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

“Commuters in Northern Ontario communities often face unique challenges, and the modernization of our public transit system will mean more efficient and faster travel experiences. The success of these new projects is a testament to what can be accomplished when all levels of government work together.”

The Government of Ontario is providing more than $2.7 million to the projects. The City of Temiskaming Shores is providing more than $832,000, and the Township of Coleman over $332,000.

Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing 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.

Ontario is investing $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community infrastructure.

“The funding from the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream is a step towards increasing the operational efficiency and quality of the Temiskaming Transit system,” said Carman Kidd, mayor of Temiskaming Shores.

“Although COVID-19 has impacted operations over the past six months, the transit system has seen considerable growth in ridership over the past several years. Investment in a modern fleet, additional bus shelters and new technology, supports our vision of greater connectivity, accessibility, and ease of use for all riders. On behalf of Council and the City of Temiskaming Shores.”

The Township of Coleman will replace the Larose Bridge, a structure that is over 100 years old.

“The bridge is an important part of our communities,” said Mayor Dan Cleroux. It is a link to the historic Towns of Cobalt, Latchford and the City of Temiskaming Shores and as such greatly enhances our tourism and day to day activities in a safe manner.”

 

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