www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 15, 2007 - 9 Third GO track coming to Lakeshore line By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF GO commuters could be looking at more frequent train service in the foreseeable future with the announcement of the start of construction on a third mainline track between Mississauga and Oakville. The track, which will cost $88 million, will run between the Port Credit Station in Mississauga and Kerr Street in Oakville with bridge upgrades to be made at Credit River, Mississauga Road, Joshua Creek and Sixteen-Mile Creek to accommodate the track. "This rail transit in the GTA is vitally important for what we are trying to accomplish in cooperation with the government of Ontario and the municipal government to make sure that we have good transportation that supports our economy and creates clean air," said federal Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty during a recent news conference at the Oakville GO station. Flaherty went on to add that while the amazing growth experienced by the GTA is welcomed it has created problems, such as traffic congestion and air pollution. He hopes the new rail line will be among the solutions to those problems. demand that we see each and every day in Oakville for more service," said Flynn. "It's going to improve overall reliability and most importantly to my constituents it's going to improve travel time to the city of Toronto." With around 52,000 passengers riding the Lakeshore West corridor every day there is no shortage of people waiting for these promises to be delivered on. Gary McNeil, managing director and CEO of GO Transit, said construction, which began at the end of April 2007 and is expected to be completed in June 2009, will benefit people across the GTA not just those living in Oakville. "The improvements here will actually also improve the Lakeshore East corridor because it will allow us to run more frequent train service through Union Station and out east," said McNeil. This project is just part of $1.8-billion investment the McGuinty government has made in GO Transit so far with around $457 million invested this year alone. Ottawa has been no slouch on infrastructure either, providing municipalities with $11.8 billion through the extension of Gas Tax Funding. This money is used by municipalities to fund transportation priorities. DEREK WOOLLAM / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER ON THE GO: Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn spoke to the media last Friday afternoon along with federal Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty and GO Transit Chair Peter Smith. They announced the beginning of construction on a new transit line between Oakville and Mississauga. "It's about reducing unnecessary highway travel and providing transportation options so goods can get to market on time. It's about reducing the number of smog days," he said. To see this through, the government of Canada has invested $29.3 million in the project while the provincial government has chipped in another $29.35 million. The remainder is coming from other municipal contributions. Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn also took the podium during the news conference to explain why this addition to GO Transit is worth every penny. "Adding the third track to GO's Lakeshore West Line and extending the platforms to accommodate GO Transit's 12-car trains at Oakville, Port Credit and Clarkson is needed to keep up with the SAVE SAVE UP TO AND & UP TO $ 1000 REBATE $ 800 GOVERNMENT REBATE · Call For FREE In-Home Estimate Huge Sale Anniversary Visit Our Tent During The Oakville Downtown H.V.A.C. SYSTEMS HEATING · AIR CONDITIONING · FIREPLACES 905-845-4009 www.atlantisair.com Every Item On Sale! All JEANS JUNE 14th-16th/07 1/2 off Reg. Price All Men's BLUE WILLI'S Shirts, Sweaters, Tee, All PAS Co-ordinates 1/2 off Reg. Price Jeans, Shorts 1/2 off Reg. Price JUNE 14-17 All Previous Season BLUE WILLI'S Win A Fantastic Prize! 1/2 off Reg. Price Your Prize Dollar balance will be posted in the store. Be sure to check your standing daily. 1. 19" L.C.D. TV $499.99 2. Home Theatre $299.99 3. Universal Remote $224.99 4. Sirius Sat/Radio $149.99 5. LG Portable Player $129.99 30 W W W. F R E E D M A N S H O E S . C O M SEMI-ANNUAL SALE n o n o w all sandals % off REGUL AR PRICE [ E X CL U DI N G S A S] limited time offer. (r& c barcoded items only) NOW OPEN Sales Terms: 166 LAKESHORE ROAD EAST OAKVILLE ALL SALES FINAL Prices good thru: 06/17/2007 Store Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10am-6pm Thurs.-Fri. 10am-8pm Sat. 10am-6pm Sun. 12noon-5pm OAKVILLE PL ACE 240 Leighland Ave. Telephone: 905-842-3418