British Columbia invests in northern cycling and pedestrian infrastructure

HARTLEY BAY, B.C. — The Province of British Columbia recently announced it will improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in six northern communities.

The B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program will provide Indigenous governments, municipalities and regional districts with financial support to build new infrastructure and improve existing networks.

“People throughout B.C. have a real appetite for safe, alternative ways of getting around. One way to restart our provincial economy is to work with municipalities and Indigenous communities to support new active transportation projects,” said B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena in a statement.

“It has been just a year since our government launched our provincial active transportation strategy, Move. Commute. Connect. The funding we are providing will make it easier for people to connect and interact in their community, address the issues of climate change and congestion, and help with people’s physical and mental well-being.”

Approximately $1.8 million in Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants have been approved for these 2020-21 projects:

• $435,000 for a sidewalk improvement project for Burns Lake and the Lake Babine First Nation to connect the Lake Babine Nation to the local hospital, seniors’ care facilities, medical clinics and other community facilities.
• $413,100 to Fort St. John for three multi-use pathways to improve community connectivity.
• $433,866 for the Gitga’at First Nation’s Txalgiu Destination Trail that will include amenities and water access for paddling transportation.
• $217,635 for the Munroe Street Active Transportation Enhancements project in Terrace to better connect the community and provide easier access to local schools.
• $328,226 for Vanderhoof for the Riverside Park multi-use path project that provides linkages to a community bus stop, seniors’ residence, key tourist attractions and downtown.

“Redesigning our community to promote active transportation took a giant leap forward with the awarding of the grant to Lake Babine Nation and the Village of Burns Lake. The project will significantly improve safety and convenience for residents of our community, including seniors living in Heritage Manor Tweedsmuir House and students walking to school,” Village of Burns Lake Mayor Delores Funk said.

“On behalf of council, I would like to thank the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for investing in Burns Lake through the Active Transportation Grants program.”

The program also supports development of community network plans for future active transportation infrastructure aligning with the B.C. Active Transportation Design Guide.

Witset First Nation is approved to receive an additional $25,000 in funding from the Active Transportation Network Planning Grant to develop active transportation network plans that may be considered for future infrastructure funding.