Pedestrians and cyclists will soon have access to a new foot bridge crossing over the Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) rail line near the Delta South Surrey Greenway. Ron Cannan, MP Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Val Roddick, MLA for Delta South, today announced more than $433,000 in funding for the project through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF).

“The Greenway Pedestrian Overpass will provide a safe crossing point over the rail line and encourage Delta residents to get outside and enjoy the outdoors,” said MP Cannan on behalf of Minister Ambrose. “Our Government is working in partnership, through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, to build a healthier and more prosperous Delta.”

The funding will result in the construction of a 23.3 metre pedestrian bridge over the BNSF rail line connecting two completed sections of the Delta South Surrey Greenway near Highway 91 and Highway 10. The project will provide a safe and legal crossing for cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians. This project is conditionally approved, pending the successful completion of an environmental assessment.

“By encouraging residents to get outdoors and bike or walk to nearby destinations, we are making a difference for our environment and physical health,” said Roddick. “This project is another example of how government is helping to build greener, healthier, more sustainable communities.”

Under the initial CBCMRIF Agreement signed in June 2006, the federal and provincial governments each committed $51 million to the fund, with participating local governments expected to make up the remaining costs. This year, Government of Canada and the Province of B.C. have each provided an additional $23.5 million to the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs.  This additional funding brings the total federal, provincial and local government investment in CBCMRIF projects to over $220 million.

The majority of the funding is targeted towards communities of fewer than 250,000 people, and at least 60 percent of the funding will assist with “green projects” such as drinking water supply, treatment and distribution needs, as well as wastewater and energy efficiency projects. The remaining funds will be dedicated toward projects involving tourism, recreation and other infrastructure.

Further details on the program are available through the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund website, at www.th.gov.bc.ca/CBMRIF/index.htm.

For additional information, contact:

Karl Yeh
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-4714

Marc Black
B.C. Ministry of Community Services
(250) 356-6334