COURTENAY, BC, April 30,
2024 /CNW/ - Residents will soon enjoy improved
access to extensive pathways and community services, thanks to a
combined investment of more than $6.8
million from the federal and provincial governments, along
with the City of Courtenay.
Announced by Minister Jonathan
Wilkinson, Minister Anne
Kang, and Mayor Bob
Wells, this project will provide cyclists, pedestrians
and other non-motorized transportation users with a key connection
from the bottom of 6th Street to Simms Millennium
Park and the extensive trail networks on both sides of the
Courtenay River.
The 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge
project will construct a new four-meter-wide river crossing, which
will create a safe and accessible alternative route that will
further encourage sustainable and active commuting options for
residents.
These investments are part of Canada's National Active Transportation
Strategy, which aims to create and improve pathways, bike lanes,
and pedestrian bridges all over the country. It's a big step
towards healthier living and creating tight-knit communities,
making a better-connected Canada
for us all.
Quotes
"When we invest in active transportation, we're investing in the
well-being of our communities. These investments speak to our
commitment to building a community where residents feel connected
and supported. By fostering safer, greener, and more active travel
options, we're creating a community where everyone, regardless of
age or mobility, can enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser,
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"The 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge offers a safe and
accessible way for people to walk, bike, and roll across the
Courtenay River. This bridge will connect communities, protect the
environment by reducing pollution, and contribute to the continued
growth of a clean economy. I am pleased that my Ministry is
supporting Courtenay through
$1 million in the Growing Communities
Fund to meet their critical community needs while creating lasting
positive change."
The Honourable Anne Kang, B.C. Minister of Municipal
Affairs
"The City of Courtenay has been
working on plans for an active transportation bridge on 6th Street
for many years, so this major funding is incredible news. We are so
grateful for this federal and provincial funding, and we also
recognize the advocacy for this crossing by community groups over
the past two decades. The bridge is going to fill in a key link in
the City's commuter network for people who walk, cycle and roll,
and make it easier to travel to our vibrant downtown. The new
bridge will also help build connections to current and future
active transportation routes in east and west Courtenay. We're truly excited and looking
forward to finally moving this project forward."
His Worship Bob Wells, Mayor of the City of Courtenay
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $2,502,231 in this
project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF). The Province
of British Columbia is investing
$1,000,000 through the Growing
Communities Fund, and the City of
Courtenay is contributing $3,383,844.
- Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods
powered by human activity. It includes walking, cycling and the use
of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs,
scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and
more.
- In support of Canada's
National Active Transportation Strategy, the Active Transportation
Fund is providing $400 million over
five years, starting in 2021, to make travel by active
transportation easier, safer, more convenient, and more
enjoyable.
- The National Active Transportation Strategy is the country's
first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting
active transportation and its benefits. The strategy's aim is to
make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and
expanded active transportation networks, while creating safe
environments for more equitable, healthy, active and sustainable
travel options to thrive.
- Active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible
benefits, such as creating good middle-class jobs, strengthening
the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, advancing equity
amongst vulnerable Canadians, cutting air and noise pollution, and
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in safer active
transportation infrastructure is key to ensuring people of all ages
and abilities can access jobs and services and connect with their
communities.
- Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements
related to consultation with Indigenous groups and the signing of
the contribution agreement.
Associated Links
Active Transportation Fund
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/trans/index-eng.html
National Active Transportation Strategy
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/trans/active-strat-actif-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
Infrastructure Canada -
Infrastructure in British
Columbia
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and
LinkedIn
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada