The Point Roberts border crossing will undergo a multi-million dollar facelift.
Delta-Richmond East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, the Minster of National Revenue, was at the Boundary Bay point of entry Friday to announce a series of Infrastructure Canada investments, including $12 million for the Canada-U.S. border entry in Tsawwassen for travelers heading to and from the tiny American peninsula. It’s part of $5.8 billion dollar investments in federal infrastructure announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper earlier this week.
“We recognize the connection between economic growth and the modernization of infrastructure that all of us as Canadians rely on,” said Findlay.
Noting the government has made “unprecedented investments” in infrastructure since 2006, Findlay noted the Building Canada Plan has helped build more than 12,000 provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure projects across the country. Meanwhile, the stimulus phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan supported an additional 30,000 infrastructure projects. Billions in additional funding was targeted last year for public infrastructure over the next decade.
Oksana Exell, president and CEO for the Western Transportation Advisory Council, said not to invest in infrastructure would result in “a failure to grow and develop the social and economic fabric of Canadian society.”
Long-term investment to improve the efficient movement of people and goods is critical, she said.
Jon Garson, vice-president of policy development for the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, said, “While many of the projects that will be funded by this program lack the impact of a new bridge or new highway, they are essential investments in maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure assets of the federal government.”
According to Canada Border Services Agency, June 2014 saw 107,400 vehicles processed at the Point Roberts crossing.
This summer, Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Boundary Bay port of entry The first customs office was located near Raitt Road and Point Roberts Road, which is today 12th Avenue and 56th Street.
