Construction To Begin At HWY 17 Near Victoria International Airport Using Stimulus Funds

The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport) and the Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, along with the Honourable Murray Coell, Minister of Labour and MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.

Were joined by the Victoria Airport Authority’s president and CEO Richard Paquette and members of the local community task force to kick-off the beginning of construction for the McTavish Road interchange. This project will improve the safety and flow of traffic at McTavish Road and Highway 17 near Victoria International Airport.

“I’m pleased to see construction begin on this important stimulus project made possible by Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said Minister Lunn. “This project will provide a major upgrade to a key intersection in the area – McTavish Road is a vital access point for both airport and ferry travellers, as well as local residents.”

“The regional and provincial significance of this project cannot be understated as Highway 17 is a gateway to the Capital Region and all of Vancouver Island via BC Ferries at Swartz Bay and the Victoria International Airport,” said Minister Coell. “At a time when every job counts, the ripple effect of this $24-million investment is expected to generate more than 150 direct and indirect jobs.”

“Highway 17 is a critical linkage to both the Victoria Airport and BC Ferries,” said Mr. Paquette. “The improvements to McTavish will be a significant step forward for both passengers and freight accessing our key transportation hubs.”

The Government of Canada invested $10.5 million to this project through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Province of British Columbia invested $10.5 million. The Victoria Airport Authority invested $3 million.

The project will improve transit service opportunities for the Peninsula, by including access for Rapid Transit, as well as the park-and-ride facility for a total of 200 parking spaces. These improvements will support future transit expansion and increase transit ridership.

From November 30 until March 2011, when the intersection is scheduled to be complete, McTavish Road will be closed between Highway 17 and Lochside Drive. Canora Road will be closed between McTavish Road and Rideau Avenue from January 26, 2010 until March 2011.

Access for emergency vehicles and access to the airport will not be affected. Up-to-date travel information will be available at www.drivebc.ca.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Topics: airport, Canada's Economic Action Plan, construction, ferry, funding, HWY 17, jobs, jobs in Canada, Mc Tavish Road, resident, stimulus, tourism, Victoria International Airport

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