Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced a federal investment of more than $1.3 million to support 27 active transportation planning projects in British Columbia.
The funding will enable the City of Vancouver to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of building a greenway running north-south through East Vancouver. The greenway would connect a number of discontinuous local streets and trails to provide a seamless and relatively flat route from the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows bridge to the Central Valley Greenway. This would provide walking, cycling, and other active travel options for residents of all ages and abilities. The City of Vancouver will collect data at key intersections, assess traffic impacts, undertake stakeholder consultations, review best practices for green infrastructure, and develop cost estimates. Once constructed, the greenway would serve as a major connector, linking neighbourhoods, low-income housing developments, parks and a major neighbourhood, and provide access to North Vancouver and Burnaby.
Investments in the District of Chetwynd will help develop the Saulteau First Nations Trails Network Plan, an active travel strategy for Saulteau's reserve, East Moberly Lake IR No. 169.
The strategy will identify safe trail connections between key destinations on the reserve, including health facilities, school and daycare centres, businesses, culturally significant areas, and administrative buildings. The plan will also establish policies that encourage community use of paths and incorporate Saulteau history, language, and culture into the trail network. Significant community engagement will ensure the final plan reflects the Nations' priorities.
Funding announced today supports Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy by supporting active transportation planning and stakeholder engagement activities that will 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, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
