Black Diamond, Turner Valley and Pincher Creek granted $1.3M for new transit projects

The provincial government announced Friday that three southern Alberta communities would be receiving $1.3 million to fund new transit projects.

Calgary-Currie MLA Brian Malkinson made the announcement in Black Diamond on behalf of Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Brian Mason.

The federal government is providing $138,000 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF), while the province is investing more than $903,000.

The province said the money will help Black Diamond develop its inter-municipal transit system by purchasing three transit vehicles adapted for wheelchair users.

Black Diamond Mayor Glen Fagan said the town is “very happy” to be receiving the funding.

“As the town continues to thrive and grow, more people will be able to take advantage of the benefits offered by public transit, particularly the On-It regional transit pilot project,” he said in a news release.

“This is a service that can grow with us, get people to businesses, medical care or get them to their jobs.”

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In Pincher Creek, the money will be used to purchase an accessible compressed natural gas bus and build five bus shelters. In Turner Valley, it will go toward a Park and Ride facility with public washrooms.

“Regional public transit is critical for residents in smaller cities and towns, giving residents better access to jobs, health care, education, recreation and shopping in larger centres, while supporting local growth,” Mason said.