Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the signing of a contribution agreement with the Government of Quebec to redevelop Lévis' ferry area which will contribute to both local and regional economic development and employment. He was accompanied by Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Pauline Marois, Premier of Quebec, and Danielle Roy Marinelli, Mayor of Lévis.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support the redevelopment of Lévis' ferry area in Eastern Quebec," said the Prime Minister. "Our goal is not only to create good jobs and stimulate the local and regional economies, but to help transform this urban setting into a vibrant, dynamic area for residents and tourists."
This contribution agreement - which establishes the payment provisions and accountability requirements by which the Government of Canada will deliver funding to the province of Quebec - will facilitate the redevelopment of the Paquet and Esplanade wharves, as well as the transformation of the intermodal terminal of Lévis (also known as the old ferry terminal of Lévis) into a welcome and interpretation centre. This initiative will favour parks and green spaces, and transform this urban area into an open, dynamic site. Construction is expected to begin in July 2013 and is projected be completed in March 2015.
This project is being jointly supported by the governments of Canada and Quebec, and the City of Lévis. Federal support is being provided through the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund (BCF-MIC), which targets larger, strategic projects of national and regional significance.
Backgrounder
Redevelopment of the Lévis ferry area
The Government of Canada is committed to creating jobs and stimulating the economy by sustaining thriving communities and building a more prosperous Canada.
To this end, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the signing of a contribution agreement with the Government of Quebec for the revitalization of the Lévis ferry area which will contribute to both local and regional economic development and employment.
The total cost of the project is $19 million. The governments of Canada and Quebec will each contribute up to one third of eligible costs, to a maximum of $6.33 million. The City of Lévis will contribute the balance of funding in the amount of $6.34 million.
The contribution agreement - which establishes the payment provisions and accountability requirements by which the Government of Canada will deliver funding to the province of Quebec - will facilitate the redevelopment of the Paquet and Esplanade wharves and the transformation of the intermodal terminal of Lévis (also known as the old ferry terminal of Lévis) into a welcome and interpretation centre. The project will include bicycle paths which promote alternative, more active modes of transportation, such as cycling and walking. Work on the ferry area is expected to create several local jobs, with construction projected to begin in July 2013 and be completed in March 2015.
The project, which will be funded through the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund (BCF-MIC) and was identified as a priority in July 2010, will not only create good jobs and stimulate the local and regional economies, but will help transform the urban setting into a vibrant, dynamic area for residents and tourists.
The Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund (BCF-MIC) targets larger, strategic projects of national and regional significance. Projects under the BCF-MIC are selected on the basis of merit through a federal-provincial negotiation process. All projects are required to meet criteria targeting environmental, economic and quality of life objectives - regardless of the category. Innovative technologies and partnerships are also emphasized.