British Columbia — Six active transportation planning and improvement projects in British Columbia will better connect communities after an investment of more than $4.6 million from the federal government. Announced by Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Member of Parliament Ron McKinnon, these projects will develop plans to improve active transportation options, upgrade existing infrastructure, and construct new multi-use and bike paths.
In Vancouver, improvements to the Arbutus Greenway and West 41st Avenue intersection will allow people to travel safely and comfortably between False Creek and the Fraser River. The greenway will be shifted to line up with the crossing of West 41st Avenue at East Boulevard to create a safer and clearer crossing on the multi-use path. This will also create a flexible space for people to come together.
Other projects across the province include the construction of the final section of the Lake to Lake Bike Route in Penticton, a multi-use path on either side of the Lougheed Highway in Port Coquitlam, and a multi-use path that runs parallel to Westsyde Road to facilitate travel for the Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band.
Funding will further support the development of an active transportation plan for the Chawathil First Nation and plans to create a safe Highway 17 crossing in the Tsawwassen First Nation as well as a connection to the Tsawwassen Ferry.
“Our government is committed to investing in projects that bring a host of diverse benefits to communities. The projects we are announcing today will not only improve community safety and connectivity, they will provide British Columbians with greener transportation options. Expanding our active transportation networks encourages people to choose lower-emission modes of travel, preserving our natural environment while allowing users to enjoy its beauty.” – Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities