UXBRIDGE, ON, Sept. 4,
2024 /CNW/ - The trail system in Uxbridge will be revitalized and expanded
following a combined investment of $260,000 from the federal government and the
Township of Uxbridge through the
Active Transportation Fund.
Announced by Member of Parliament Jennifer O'Connell and
Mayor Dave Barton, the project will
help to improve affordable and sustainable transportation options
for residents.
This project involves work at three locations: Harold Bell Memorial Park, Toronto Street South,
and the Pond Street Connection.
Access to Harold Bell Memorial
Park, including its playground and sports facilities, will be safer
following the construction of approximately 300 metres of sidewalk
adjacent to Goodwood Road and a 300-metre pathway from the road to
the park.
A multi-use pathway roughly 700 metres in length will also be
built on Toronto Street South. It will create a safer link between
the downtown core and the Township's main commercial area, and
solve current safety issues requiring cyclists and pedestrians to
use the shoulder of the busiest street in Uxbridge.
Finally, a 110-metre section of sidewalk on the Pond Street
Connection will be built to improve safety and accessibility, and
to support its use as an all-season trail. This will also connect
Elgin Park with the downtown
area.
Quotes
"Active transportation networks provide vital connections in and
between communities while promoting the well-being of individuals.
We are excited to invest in the rehabilitation and construction of
sidewalks and paths in Uxbridge.
Active transportation reduces carbon emissions and supports safe
and healthy transportation options for residents."
Jennifer O'Connell, Member of
Parliament for Pickering—Uxbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Sean
Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"This contribution brings significant benefits to our entire
community. Thank you to Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of
Canada, along with the federal
government, for their support. With this funding, Uxbridge residents can now travel to and from
our amenities and recreational spaces more easily and safely. This
contribution makes once impassable or impractical travel routes
more accessible, and residents no longer have to worry about
walking or biking on unpaved shoulders of busy streets. Not only
will the funding for these improvements provide additional safety,
but it will also help to enhance physical and mental health, foster
social connections, and reduce healthcare costs. This contribution
does so much for our community, so once again, thank you."
His Worship Dave Barton, Mayor of the Township of
Uxbridge
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $104,000 in this
project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF), and
the Township of Uxbridge is
contributing $156,000.
- 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 supporting
equitable, healthy, active, and sustainable travel options.
- Investing in active transportation infrastructure provides many
tangible benefits, such as creating employment opportunities,
strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, ensuring
everyone has equal access to services and opportunities, cutting
air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
- The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) will provide an
average of $3 billion a year of
permanent funding, beginning in 2026-27, to respond to local
transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to
public transit and active transportation, and supporting the
development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive
communities.
- The CPTF will support transit and active transportation
investments in three streams: Metro Region Agreements, Baseline
Funding, and Targeted Funding.
- Housing, Infrastructure and Communities (HICC) is currently
accepting Expression of Interest submissions for Metro-Region
Agreements and Baseline Funding. Visit the Housing, Infrastructure
and Communities Canada website for more information.
Associated Links
Active Transportation Fund
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/trans/index-eng.html
National Active Transportation Strategy
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.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 Ontario
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html
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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities