New Keith Wilson Bridge complete

[CAWED]

DECEMBER 15, 1998

_NEW KEITH WILSON BRIDGE COMPLETE_

_CHILLIWACK, B.C. -- A new $1.8 million steel and concrete bridge
spanning the Vedder Canal at Keith Wilson Road is now in place thanks
to funding from the Canada/British Columbia Infrastructure Works
Program._

The new two-lane bridge will improve access to the communities of
_Sardis_ and _Vedder_ by alleviating congestion and delays resulting
from temporary closures of the old, deteriorating single-lane bridge.
The wider lanes offer room for vehicles and cyclists, providing a
welcome improvement to the area’s existing bike route.

"The successful completion of the Keith Wilson Bridge is a perfect
example of responsible government; of decisions made for the common
good and for future growth," said _Port Moody-Coquitlam MP Lou Sekora_
on behalf of _Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic
Diversification_ and minister responsible for implementation of the
infrastructure program in Western Canada. "I am pleased that the
Canada/British Columbia Infrastructure Program was in place to support
the growing needs of Chilliwack."

"Through the Infrastructure Works Program we are meeting the needs of
growing communities like Chilliwack," said _Mike Farnworth, minister
of employment and investment_. "It is essential that our communities
have a solid infrastructure, and investment in infrastructure
stimulates the economy and creates jobs in British Columbia."

"This new bridge provides a much-needed upgrade to the local road
network that will improve traffic flow in the area," said _John Les,
mayor of the District of Chilliwack_. "In addition, the streetlights
and wider lanes will provide added safety for cyclists and
pedestrians."

_Phase 1 of the Canada/British Columbia Infrastructure Works Program_
funded more than 400 projects valued at $675 million and created more
than 9,000 jobs.

A top-up to the program was announced in April 1997 and combines
contributions from federal, provincial and local partners for a total
of more than $150 million. To date, more than $130 million of the
top-up funding has been invested in 190 projects, creating more than
1,800 jobs.

Provincial funding for the enhanced _Infrastructure Works Program_ is
coordinated by the _Ministry of Employment and Investment_ as part of
the provincial government’s three-year plan to create jobs,
reduce taxes and cut red tape.

Federal funding for this program was provided in the 1997 budget and
is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. "This
announcement is an example of how the federal government is setting
priorities in its spending so it can better serve Canadians by making
efficient use of their tax dollars," said Mr. Sekora.