Joint investment of C$8.4 million will support upgrades to the Montrose Avenue Transit Exchange

A joint investment of more than C$8.4 million (US$6.1 million) between the government of Canada, the government of British Columbia and BC Transit will support upgrades to the Montrose Avenue Transit Exchange in the city of Abbotsford.

Project funding will help with the construction of an enhanced transit exchange on Montrose Avenue in downtown Abbotsford. The exchange is required to create the Transit Future Network in Abbotsford and surrounding regions. Once completed, the Montrose Exchange will feature approximately 10 bus bays, transit shelters, new bike lockers, bike racks, cycling amenities, bus operator washroom facilities and improvements to pedestrian and road infrastructure.

“This investment is another great example of the province, the federal government and BC Transit’s shared commitment to improving public transit and providing people with cleaner, more affordable travel options. Upgrading and modernizing our transit exchanges to accommodate growth is one of many ways we can attract new riders and build a world-class transit system that meets the needs of our communities long into the future,” said British Columbia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming.

“Modern shelters, accessible sidewalks, improved lighting and bicycle lockers are some of the things transit customers can look forward to. The Montrose Exchange better meets the needs of the Abbotsford community, and we’re pleased that it will also provide capacity for future service expansion to support the growing Fraser Valley Region. This project is made possible by all levels of government working together and I thank everyone involved in moving this exchange forward,” said BC Transit President and CEO Erinn Pinkerton.

The government of Canada is investing CS3.3 million (US$2.4 million) in the project while the government of British Columbia is investing C$3.3 million (US$2.4 million) and BC Transit is contributing C$1.6 million (US$1.1 million).

The government of Canada’s funding comes from the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The stream supports the building, expansion and upgrading of urban and rural transit networks.

Including this funding, 54 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream have been funded in British Columbia, with a total federal contribution of more than C$2.5 billion (US$1.8 billion) and a total provincial contribution of more than C$3.8 billion (US$2.7 billion).

“The city of Abbotsford is grateful to the government of Canada, Province of British Columbia and BC Transit for investing in these needed transit support services in Abbotsford. As the cultural and economic hub of the Fraser Valley, transit plays an essential role in ensuring residents and visitors in Abbotsford can get around our community. Not only will the new Montrose Transit Exchange have all the standard amenities like street lighting, benches, transit shelters, bike lockers and enhanced accessibility with wider sidewalks, it will also support the city’s future transit network between Highstreet Shopping Center and the University of the Fraser Valley, furthering connections throughout the community,” said Mayor of Abbotsford Ross Siemens.