Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, announced a federal investment of $150,000 to support three active transportation projects in Alberta.
Funding will support Ever Active Schools in developing an Active School Charter in Leduc to better govern resources and responsibilities of local school boards and the municipality in promoting active school travel. By enhancing partnerships, facilitating policy change, increasing public awareness, and piloting new programming, the project will promote walking and cycling to school, which will ultimately benefit the overall health and safety of children and youth. Once complete, the Charter could serve as a template that can be used by surrounding communities seeking to advance active mobility.
Alberta TrailNet Society is also receiving funding to undertake two planning projects that address significant gaps in Alberta's section of the Trans Canada Trail. The Northshore Trail project in Slave Lake will survey and design the second phase of the trail along Lesser Slave Lake to follow the historic route connecting the Peace River Trail and Grouard Trail. This project will confirm the trail route, design key elements like bridge infrastructure, signage, drainage, and site access, and estimate construction costs. This planning study will inform the construction of this important route, which will increase mobility options for local communities and support economic development in the region.
Funding will also enable Alberta TrailNet Society to complete planning for the Meanook to Perryvale section of the Athabasca Landing Trail, connecting Fort Saskatchewan to Athabasca. Funding for this project will support non-motorized trail planning and design future improvements to encourage active living, increase environmental awareness and boost tourism in Alberta. The project will benefit communities along the Athabasca Landing Trail and support a key, historically important route.
The investments announced today contribute to Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy by supporting planning and engagement activities that help expand networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
