Home »
Local municipalities get grants for connectivity projects
The District of Elkford and the City of Kimberley have been awarded provincial Active Transportation Grants for trail connectivity projects.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure this morning (June 24) announced Elkford is approved to receive $500,000 for the Balmer Drive and Alpine Way Connectivity Improvements Project. The project will deliver a new sidewalk that will include wheelchair ramps, crosswalks and connectivity to existing trails.
And Kimberly is approved to receive $120,416 for the 4th Avenue Pathway Connection, which will provide new active transportation connections between neighbourhoods, assisted-living facilities, schools and health centres.
Additionally, $184,027 in Active Transportation Network Planning Grants are being shared among the Shuswap Indian Band, Fernie, District of Invermere, Kimberley, Revelstoke, and New Denver to develop active transportation network plans that may be considered for future infrastructure funding.
“People across B.C. have a real appetite for safe, alternative ways of getting around,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “One way to restart our provincial economy is to work with municipalities and Indigenous communities to support new active transportation projects.
“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 issues of climate change and congestion, and help with people’s physical and mental well-being.”
The B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program provides Indigenous governments, municipalities and regional districts with financial support to build new infrastructure and make improvements on existing networks.
Including Elkford and Kimberley, $1 million in Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants have been awarded to four projects, along with Nelson receiving $424,510 for a Primary Bike Route Project (Phase 1) from the Fairview neighbourhood to downtown, which includes end-of-trip facilities for bike parking.
And Revelstoke is approved to receive $6,800 for the Revelstoke Bike Rack Project that will accommodate a total of 16 bikes at four locations around the community provide safe bike parking.
“These infrastructure investments strengthen Kootenay communities and give us opportunities to get around and keep fit,” said Michelle Mungall, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “As a lifelong cycling and walking commuter, I know the value these investments bring and look forward to seeing our communities using the new connections soon.”
Approved projects may include safety improvements to sidewalks, improved lighting along pathways, multi-use and protected travel lanes, and other amenities that connect people to public transit, downtown cores and schools. Projects receiving funding strengthen Indigenous initiatives and land-use planning and have the potential to generate tourism and other economic benefits.
Lead image: Balmer Drive leading toward junction with Alpine Way in Elkford. e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
