New LRT creates jobs, increases commuter convenience and integrates Markham, Scarborough and North York

MARKHAM - The new Sheppard East LRT, “is good news for Markham, Scarborough and North York and an excellent example of government partnership on critical infrastructure programs,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “The current economy is a call to action for all levels of government and business to work together, and the LRT expansion is an excellent example of how to make this work.”

The new Sheppard LRT system, announced today by the Ontario Government and Government of Canada, will mean greater convenience for commuters in the northeast GTA area, particularly Scarborough, North York and Markham. It will provide increased integration among the York Region Transit and GO lines with Toronto midtown, and strengthen the transit links across the Highway 407/Highway 7 corridor in Markham. The $1.43 billion project, financed by the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada, is part of the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan.

“We’re very excited about this announcement as it further strengthens the attractiveness of Markham as the location for a national sports centre,” said Markham Regional Councillor Jim Jones, a long-time champion for a Canadian Sport Institute in Markham. “Combined with other transit corridor improvements planned for the Highway 7 / Highway 407 transit corridor, Markham will become a highly integrated and strategically located transit centre.”

Mayor Scarpitti congratulated the Hon. Peter Kent, M.P. - Thornhill, Mr. Paul Calandra, M.P. - Oak Ridges-Markham, Hon. Michael Chan, M.P.P. - Markham-Unionville and Helena Jaczek, M.P.P. - Oak Ridges-Markham for their commitment to Markham and for bringing this benefit to the community.

Construction of the Sheppard East LRT project is expected to start by the end of 2009 with completion expected by 2013.