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Taxpayer funding returned to region for recovery
The Kootenays will be getting more than $16 million taxpayer funds returned in transportation investments made to support the region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, more than 35 projects, including 21 in the East Kootenay, ranging from active transportation improvements and transportation upgrades in rural and remote communities, to climate adaptation projects have been completed. Throughout the province, more than 180 projects received economic recovery funding.
“Investment in our transportation infrastructure has never been more important as we focus on recovery from the pandemic,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “These infrastructure recovery projects are important for communities as they improve access to crucial services and provide good jobs that lay the foundation for strong economic growth.”
East Kootenay and area projects (as provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure)
* Fernie – Construction of 500 metres of West Fernie multi-use pathway at Riverside Road to McCleod Avenue providing connectivity to the Centennial Trail.
* Invermere – Safety improvements of sidewalk and approaches that allow for multi-modal access on and off the Athalmer Bridge.
* The Regional District of East Kootenay – Brushing, ditching and resurfacing along BNSF Recreational Trail from Cottonwood to Kapak Road.
Climate adaptation
* Golden – Construct erosion protection for ditches, culvert inlets/outlets, settlement/debris basins and trash rack cleaning along Hewitt Road and regrade shoulder along Highway 95.
* Fernie – Rip-rap production at Highway 3 Elko Martin Pit Quarry. Sort and stockpile rip rap at Toby Creek Pit.
* Fairmont Hot Springs – Culvert installations in Fairmont for flood mitigation and to improve overflow capacity.
* Sparwood – Repaired failing culvert and sinkhole on Highway 43 near Musil Road in Elk Valley.
* Jaffray – First Nations Archaeological Initial Assessment and investigative works for future shoulder widening on Waldo Road.
* Elko – Avalanche path catchment debris clean out to to provide adequate snow storage for Highway 3.
* Creston Outflow – Replace failing outlet of culvert on Highway 21.
* Spillimacheen – Produce and stockpile material for structure replacement along Highway 95.
* Jaffray – Installation of a 900-metre ellipse culvert on Jaffray Baynes Lake Road to allow for the safe movement of the endangered Painted Turtle.
* Yahk – Brushing and ditching to improve site distance and drainage.
Rural and remote communities
* Ktunaxa Nation (Aq’am) – Mission-Wasa Low Road strengthening, drainage improvements, shoulder widening and resurfacing.
* Invermere – Toby Creek Road strengthening, drainage/culvert upgrades, resurfacing shoulder widening and sign refresh.
* Wycliffe – Construct a right-turn deceleration lane onto Wycliffe Park Road from Highway 95A.
* Radium hot Springs – Production of surfacing and road gravels for Westside Road strengthening.
* Cranbrook – Production of high fines surfacing for Lumberton Road, Caroll Creek Road and Yahk Meadow Creek Road.
* Fort Steele – Rip rap production for erosion site on Wardner Fort Steele Road near Ft. Steele.
* Kimberley – Base repairs, road strengthening and surface patching for St. Mary’s Lake Road leading to Grey Creek Pass.
Lead image: Athalmer Bridge receiving work in fall 2020. e-KNOW file photos
e-KNOW
