OREANDA-NEWS. September 13, 2016. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance for Canadian travellers to access a national rail transportation service that is safe, secure, efficient, reliable, and environmentally sustainable, and that meets their needs.

Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today highlighted an investment of \\$2.55 million for improvements at VIA Rail’s London and Sarnia stations.

At VIA Rail’s London station, projects include upgrades to the station’s pedestrian tunnel and signage, as well as infrastructure improvements related to the station’s washroom facilities, heating system and tower cladding. In addition, projects at VIA Rail’s Sarnia station include roof repairs, upgraded washrooms, repairs to masonry and doors, and relocating wayside power panels. Investing in these infrastructure improvements creates valuable, well-paying jobs that help strengthen the middle class while ensuring safe and reliable travel services to Canadians.

These projects are being partially funded through a \\$34.4 million investment that was allocated to several improvement projects as part of the federal infrastructure initiative announced in Budget 2016.

Quotes

“These investments not only serve rail passengers in London and Sarnia, but will also contribute to the growth of the middle class and the economies of these local communities through job creation.”
Kate Young
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for London West

“This investment allows VIA Rail's rail corridor infrastructure to remain safe and secure while at the same time improving the passenger experience by making it more accessible and efficient for Canadians.”
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

Quick Fact

  • The Government of Canada provided more than \\$395 million in annual funding in 2015-2016 to support VIA Rail's operating and capital needs, with another \\$444.9 million earmarked for 2016-2017, including this \\$34.4 million.