A federal investment of $1 billion was confirmed Monday that will help fund the Valley and Metro LRT Line expansions.
Ottawa is providing over $1 billion for both projects through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan, including approximately $948 million for the Valley Line West LRT and approximately $127 million for the Metro Line Northwest LRT.
In April 2018, the federal government announced it would support transit projects in Edmonton but didn’t name the specific projects.
READ MORE: Alberta government commits $1B for west leg Edmonton Valley Line
The Alberta government previously confirmed its commitment of approximately $1.17 billion towards both projects through the Climate Leadership Plan, including approximately $1.04 billion for the Valley Line West LRT and approximately $131 million for the first phase of the Metro Line Northwest LRT.
READ MORE: Alberta uses carbon tax revenue to turn $176M Valley Line LRT loan into grant
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Now that funding from both federal and provincial governments is secured, the city can determine how much money it will have to put towards both projects. Final numbers will be presented to council this spring.
The city can also now procure contractors for the Valley Line extension to Lewis Farms in west Edmonton and the Metro Line extension into Blatchford.
“It will take about one year to select a contractor for the Valley Line West LRT project and another five to six years to complete construction,” the city said in a news release Monday.
“It will take about one year to complete design and select a contractor for the Metro Line Northwest LRT extension into Blatchford, and another four years to complete construction and commissioning.”
Construction is expected to start as early as next year.
READ MORE: Edmonton hoping for transit money after Calgary funding announcement
“Today’s funding commitments will allow the city to move forward with our plans to bring light rail transit to west and northwest Edmonton,” City Manager Linda Cochrane said.
“These projects are a major step in growing our LRT network, creating another transportation option for thousands of Edmontonians and providing better connections to where people live, work and play.”
The federal minister of infrastructure François-Philippe Champagne, MLA Jon Carson and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson will hold an event in the Parkallen community Monday afternoon.
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