New Windsor VIA Rail Station Officially Opens

Windsor, Ontario, November 16, 2012 - Today, as part of the ongoing modernization of VIA Rail Canada facilities, the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), and Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer and Corporate Secretary of VIA Rail, officially opened the new VIA Rail Windsor Station.

"Our government is committed to quality and efficient passenger rail for Canadians," said Minister Fletcher. "Travellers in Windsor will benefit from this $5.4 million investment, $3.4 million from Canada's Economic Action Plan, to improve things like energy efficiency and parking accessibility at this station. Our government's investment of near $1 billion in VIA Rail since 2007 is one of the ways we are fulfilling our commitment to help create jobs and strengthen local economies across Canada."

This new and modern VIA Rail Windsor station can accommodate up to 300 people. Fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, the facilities include a sliding door for easier access, better lighting, Braille signage, accessible washrooms and a wheelchair lift. The new building also boasts a new and more efficient layout, wider boarding platforms and more spacious waiting areas, easily accessible power stations for electronic devices such as laptops, and parking and drop off zones designed for easier customer access.

This $5.4-million project is part of the Government of Canada's investment plan, and was financed in large part through Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Government of Canada has invested almost one billion dollars in VIA Rail since 2007 to improve its stations, infrastructure, trains and technology. The construction of the new station in Windsor has created jobs and stimulated economic growth in the region.

"Windsor is a major hub on VIA Rail's network. This new station will act as a lever to realize the full potential of rail transport in the region," declared Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano. "Our commitment to serving our customers with even greater care has led us to develop projects like Windsor Station. This building provides better service to travellers: better parking, increased accessibility, improved interior space, and easier access to facilities. Our ultimate goal is to offer Canadians the comfort they deserve when travelling with VIA Rail."