News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

ASHCROFT, BC, The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, on behalf of the Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced a $5-million federal funding commitment to Ashcroft Terminal for the expansion of its industrial-zoned land into a multi-user rail facility.

"Our government is proud to support this project that will have important benefits for the local economy," said Minister Strahl. "By expanding rail access and rail service at the terminal, more industries will be able to use the facility, and this will lead to greater trade to the Asia-Pacific."

The expansion of the terminal just outside of Ashcroft will facilitate railway access for shippers within the region. The project will provide more train capacity and will improve the movement of goods travelling between the West Coast and the Ontario/Quebec region.

"This infrastructure contribution from the Government of Canada is extremely significant to Ashcroft Terminal's expansion and the Canadian supply chain. It will help Ashcroft Terminal install improved connectivity and access to the Asia-Pacific Gateway Corridor that gives railroads, producers and shippers options to improve efficiency in specific areas of their business," said Robert Landucci, CEO of Ashcroft Terminal. "The strategic location of Ashcroft Terminal, the ample skilled labour in the area and the access to a worldwide customer base will be significantly influenced by the continued development of Ashcroft Terminal."

The project will also help reduce the number of trucks in the Lower Mainland with the environmental benefit of reduced greenhouse gases.

Helping diversify the regional economy currently affected by the mountain pine beetle by providing transportation options for other local industries is also another key local benefit of this project.

The federal funding for this project comes from funds previously set aside under the Mountain Pine Beetle Program, which ended in March this year and is being delivered through the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative.

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