Five Island communities and Salt Spring Island are receiving more than $2 million in funds from B.C.’s Active Transportation Grants Program.
Transportation Minister Claire Trevena said the funding is one way to restart the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, among other benefits.
“The funding we are providing will make it easier for people to connect and interact in their community, address the issues of climate change and congestion, and help people’s physical and mental well-being,” she said.
The funded projects are:
• Nanaimo receives $500,000 for Phase 1 of the Metral Drive complete street corridor, which will include continuous sidewalks, curb extensions and marked crosswalks.
• Salt Spring Island has been approved for $490,000 for Phase 2 of the Lower Ganges Road pathway, which will provide connection to the downtown core.
• Victoria gets $401,250 for a two-direction, protected cycling lane on Harbour Road, providing better connection between the Capital Regional District’s trail network and downtown Victoria.
• Oak Bay and the University of Victoria receive $316,380 for the University Drive Connection Pathway, a two-direction route that will serve about 1,370 cyclists on school days.
• North Cowichan receives $282,433 for a multi-use project that will include pedestrian facilities, protected bicycle parking and improved accessibility. It will connect to the neighbouring Cowichan Valley Trail.
• The Comox Valley Regional District has been approved for $35,000 to fund the Gull Road Trail on Hornby Island. It will link to the existing roadside trail network and be designed for use by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
A further six Island communities are getting a total of $224,000 in planning grants for future plans. They are Electoral Area B in the Comox Valley Regional District, Esquimalt, Lake Cowichan, North Cowichan, Port Hardy and Port McNeill.
