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March 11, 2008
City to pursue Demonstration Streetcar Project as part of
2010 Winter Games
The streetcar may be making a comeback in Vancouver. City Council today approved the replacement of rail tracks between Granville Island and the future Olympic Village (2nd Avenue) Canada Line Station. The $8.5 million investment will allow the continued operation of the Downtown Historic Railway (DHR) on the alignment. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Granville Island is planning to contribute funds towards the construction of a station at the entrance to Granville Island.
Council is also asking that staff seek opportunities to leverage the rail investment needed for the DHR to develop a Downtown Streetcar Demonstration Project for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games using modern streetcar equipment.
“This will be a great opportunity for Vancouver to highlight all its sustainable transportation options during the 2010 Winter Games. With committed funding partners in the future we hope to be able to build the entire Downtown Streetcar Project, providing more accessible and green transportation options for our growing communities,” said Mayor Sam Sullivan.
“We’re very excited about this upgraded rail connection to Granville Island. It will be an enjoyable and accessible way for residents and visitors to visit us. Another transportation option makes leaving the car at home that much easier,” said Lino Siracusa, Director of CMHC Granville Island.
“Vancouver has a great history of rail operations, so it is encouraging to see Council’s support for this environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Immediate repairs are needed on the track west of Cambie to bring it up to standard. Our members look forward to continue being a partner in running the Downtown Historic Railway,” said Transit Museum Society vice-president Dale Laird.
More information on a Downtown Streetcar Project and the Streetcar Demonstration Project for the 2010 Winter Games: vancouver.ca/streetcar
Media contacts:
Lino Siracusa
Director, CMHC Granville Island
604.666.8767
Corporate Communications
CoV
604.871-6336
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