CPEX recognizes York Region for reduced congestion and
improved quality of life
NEWMARKET
- Viva Rapid Transit has received the Canadian Project Excellence Awards (CPEX)
2006 Environmental Impact Award, as Viva is recognized not just for getting
people to their destinations faster but also improving our environment and our
quality of life.
“It is indeed a great honour for Viva Rapid Transit to
receive the 2006 Environmental Impact Award from CPEX,” said York Regional
Chair and CEO Bill Fisch. “Viva is making it possible for people to leave
their cars at home and is creating a positive impact on the air we breathe.
Cleaner air is one of the legacies of the improvements transit is making throughout
York Region.”
The CPEX nominating committee singled out Viva for both its
social and environmental impact, identifying the project’s vision for cleaner
air, reduced road congestion and improved quality of life as key elements in
making its decision.
“The vision of Viva Rapid Transit has always been about
more than shorter commutes to work,” said Town of Richmond Hill Mayor Bill Bell, Vice Chair of
the Region’s Rapid Transit Committee. “One of Viva’s primary goals is to
become the infrastructure backbone supporting the development of transit
villages where people can live, work and play without always using their
personal vehicle.”
According to CPEX, “Viva is an innovative first step to
improve the quality of life for Canadians, and will have long-term positive
impact on the environment by helping to reduce gridlock and promote sustainable
development.”
Viva links the Region’s urban centres of Markham,
Richmond Hill, Vaughan,
Aurora and Newmarket.
In addition, Viva links York Region with the City of Toronto and its subway system, GO Transit,
the Region of Peel and eventually with Durham Region.
This is the first of three Phases in a 20-year transit
expansion plan. In Phase 2, the Region will build dedicated transit lanes
separating the Viva vehicles from mixed traffic. If funding is secured and the
environmental assessments approved, construction could begin as early as 2007.
“The first phase of Viva continues to represent a
tremendous success story,” added Chair Fisch. “Phase 2 will allow passengers
to break free from gridlock and get to their destinations sooner and convince
more people to choose transit over traffic.”
For more information on the Regional Municipality of York
and our services, please visit www.york.ca
Media Contact: Vijay Chauhan, Communications Specialist, York Region Rapid Transit
Phone: (905) 886-6767, Ext. 2250
Email: vijay.chauhan@york.ca