Service centres with a smile
Upgrades announced for Ontario's highway pit stops
By DON PEAT, SUN MEDIA
Last Updated: 14th August 2009, 4:29am
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/08/14/10459106-sun.html
Road trip?
The drive might be a little nicer along Ontario's highways with the upgrading of 20 of their 23 rest stops.
Yesterday, the province named
Host Kilmer Service Centres Inc. to modernize and upgrade the service centres along Hwys. 401 and 400.
Construction is expected to last the next three years.
The government doesn't have a dollar figure on what upgrading the stations, built in the 1960s, will cost. Ministry of transportation officials said Infrastructure Ontario is still negotiating the terms and conditions of the agreement to design, construct and operate the locations. Those details are expected this fall.
The new facilities will include modern fuel and restaurant services, enhanced tourism information and upgraded rest facilities. They will also be brought up to energy efficiency standards.
All stops will operate 24 hours.
Three stations aren't on the list for the retrofit. Rest stops at Ingersoll, Newcastle and Maple were rebuilt in the 1990s.
"Better service at modern centres will make motoring more attractive for residents and visitors alike," stated Transportation Minister Jim Bradley. "This project will generate a substantial number of construction jobs and generate economic activity."
Redeveloping the stations should create 2,500 construction jobs, officials said.
"These new service centres will provide tourists with more opportunity to plan, explore and enjoy their travels across Ontario," Tourism Minister Monique Smith said.
DON.PEAT@SUNMEDIA.CA