Hwy. 407 extension news

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    
Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade excited 407 plans underway
However, Province needs to ensure extension reaches Hwy. 35/115

AJAX/PICKERING, ON (June 15, 2010) – The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade responded with excitement to the recent news that the Province of Ontario has taken an important step in the process to extend Hwy. 407 through Durham Region, but urges the Province to include the entire extension rather than only reaching Oshawa at this time.

“Our Board has actively called for this extension for several years and this is welcome news for the positive economic impact it will have for our members and the region as a whole,” says Jason Cameron, 2010 President of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade. “In our annual membership surveys, Hwy. 407 is consistently identified as a critical issue among the transportation and infrastructure needs of Ajax and Pickering.”

In order for the process to stay on track and enable the fastest possible start to building the extension, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is urging the Province to push toward quick resolution of the Request for Qualifications and subsequently awarding the tender for construction. It is also important to ensure the entire extension is included in the Request for Quotes process and connect it to Hwy. 35/115.

“Although we are pleased with the announcement, we feel strongly that work on the entire extension and not just one portion should be planned for,” said Mr. Cameron. “We hope the Province will include the portion from Simcoe Street to Hwy. 35/115 in the RFQ process as our regional officials are requesting.”

The Board applauded the contribution Durham’s Chair & CEO provided in reaching this stage of the process to extend Hwy. 407 for the benefits it would have to business and residents alike.

“We extend our appreciation to the Regional Municipality of Durham and specifically Chair Roger Anderson who has been a tireless advocate for this crucial building block of our infrastructure foundation,” says Joan Wideman, Co-Chair of the Board’s Government Relations Committee. “In our many meetings with Chair Anderson, he has consistently shown support for the extension and has played an important role in making this extension possible.”

About the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade:

The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is the voice of the business community in Ajax and Pickering. Established in 1955, the 600-plus members represent an array of business sectors ranging from the service industry to manufacturers and distributors. The group’s advocacy and policy initiatives focus on issues relating to such things as economic development, healthcare, education, transportation issues, community and social development, environment, and energy.

To learn more about the Board, or to become a member, visit www.apboardoftrade.com.

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For additional information, or to arrange interviews please contact:
Dave Stell, Communications Specialist
905-686-0883 ext 229, dstell@apboardoftrade.com