{"id":19693,"date":"2023-07-19T01:05:13","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T08:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/construction-project-underway-to-modernize-via-rail\/"},"modified":"2023-07-19T01:05:15","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T08:05:15","slug":"construction-project-underway-to-modernize-via-rail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/construction-project-underway-to-modernize-via-rail\/","title":{"rendered":"Construction project underway to modernize VIA Rail"},"content":{"rendered":"

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(Photo courtesy of VIA Rail)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

VIA Rail is transforming its Toronto Maintenance Centre (TMC). The national rail passenger service broke ground at the TMC last week to mark the start of construction of a major upgrade that will provide a state-of-the-art maintenance facility for VIA Rail\u2019s new fleet of 32 trains for the Qu\u00e9bec City-Windsor corridor. The company says the facility will be an important pillar in its large-scale modernization plan, which aims to transform the way Canadians travel from reservation to destination.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis modernized maintenance centre will support us in our mission to provide our passengers the most enjoyable travel experience and better connect Canadian communities,\u201d said Mario P\u00e9loquin, VIA Rail\u2019s president and chief executive officer. \u201cIt will also allow our employees to work with the most modern equipment and will provide them the necessary tools to maintain the new fleet according to VIA Rail\u2019s standards of excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n

The maintenance centre\u2019s innovative Vehicle Equipment Measurement System (VEMS) will allow VIA Rail to improve proactive maintenance with an early warning detection system, ensuring any issues are dealt with swiftly, safely, and without prolonged downtime.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis pivotal step in our modernization process will allow VIA Rail to maintain the 32 trains of the new fleet that will offer an unparalleled customer experience for passengers travelling in the Qu\u00e9bec City \u2013 Windsor corridor,\u201d said Bruno Cacciola, chief business transformation officer.<\/p>\n

In keeping with VIA Rail\u2019s vision to positively impact the communities we serve, the work will be conducted by Buttcon Limited, a construction firm with headquarters in Woodbridge, Ont. The project is expected to create up to 475 local jobs in the trade and construction industries between now and the completion of the centre in 2026.<\/p>\n

The scope of the work will include demolition of a portion of the existing structure, construction of state of-the-art facilities, construction of a new addition, the removal and replacement of tracks, and the addition of a stand-alone wheel lathe facility, as well as critical infrastructure improvements throughout the maintenance yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cButtcon is excited to embark on this amazing project,\u201d stated Peter Di Gaetano, president and CEO of Buttcon Limited. \u201cThis moment signifies the culmination of our collaborative partnership with VIA Rail, a testament to the unwavering dedication and ingenuity of every team member. We eagerly anticipate surpassing industry standards and transcending conventional construction practices, ensuring the seamless execution of the Toronto Maintenance Centre Modernization Project. Together, we embark on this transformative journey, driven by innovation, collaboration, communication, and the exchange of professional expertise.\u201d<\/p>\n

The funding of the modernization of VIA Rail\u2019s maintenance centres, the implementation and integration of various Information Technology (IT) systems as well as the transformation of maintenance processes were all part of the funding for VIA Rail\u2019s Fleet Replacement Program provided in the 2018 federal budget.<\/p>\n

\u201cPassenger rail is an important part of Canada\u2019s history, and VIA Rail has been an essential part of that story,\u201d stated Omar Alghabra, Canada\u2019s minister of transport. \u201cI am pleased that this facility upgrade will ensure VIA Rail\u2019s new fleet is serviced and maintained to the highest level possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

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www.viarail.ca<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n