ATS makes manufacturing systems for the worldwide market. There needs to be an upgrade and expansion of Ontario's roads and the federal government needs to use revenue from gasoline taxes to help make it happen, says the provincial minister of economic development and trade. In an interview before speaking to a crowd at the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce yesterday, Bob Runciman said infrastructure is important in ensuring the province maintains its healthy economy. But while infrastructure improvements can lead to economic spin-offs, he said it's imperative the federal government get involved with funding, especially in providing revenue collected from gasoline taxes. Runciman's visit yesterday was part of a three-day swing through southwestern Ontario cities.
Traffic congestion seems to be a growing concern in Cambridge.
Cambridge's population is expected to increase from its current 110,000 to 132,000 by 2016. Studies show 87 per cent of the 350,000 daily vehicle trips in Cambridge begin and end within the city. That number of trips will jump to 400,000 a day in the next 15 years. Four of a proposed 10 routes could be used as the major road corridors. To alleviate the current congestion, he has said the city needs to build a ring road.