Government Supports Sustainable Transportation in Northern Nova Scotia

Government is supporting sustainable transportation projects in Amherst and Oxford through its grant program Connect2.

Cumberland North MLA Terry Farrell, on behalf of Energy Minister Michel Samson, announced the support as part of a campaign called Amherst Gets Moving at an event today, Oct. 6, at Amherst Town Hall. The campaign encourages children and young people to make better use of the local walking trails.

"We want our children to be as active as they can and by investing in these trails and improving the signage, they can be both active and safe," said Mr. Farrell. "Projects like these promote active living within our communities and among residents of all ages."

Government is providing $4,500 to the Town of Amherst to promote safety along a route that includes both multi-use paths and roads children take to the elementary school, junior high school, sport fields and playgrounds.

"Making our trails and roads safer is a priority for the Town of Amherst, and we're pleased to see government come to the table as a partner in this initiative," said Mayor Rob Small. "The social media and print campaign for Amherst Gets Moving will encourage children and families to choose active transportation options, especially for short trips."

Mr. Farrell also announced a $20,000 grant to the Oxford and Area Trails Association to build a bridge across River Phillip connecting residents and tourists in the Town of Oxford. The bridge will mean easier access to town on a trail that runs parallel to Main Street.

"We appreciate the work of the association to expand the Shortline Rail Trail, and government is proud to partner on this important project," said Mr. Farrell.

"The Shortline Rail Trail is a much-loved piece of active transportation infrastructure in Oxford," said Gerry McLellan, trails co-ordinator, Oxford and Area Trails Association. "This new bridge will give both pedestrians and cyclists a beautiful and safe active option while enjoying everything Main Street has to offer."

Connect2, launched in May, aims to create and promote active transportation options for trips of two kilometres or less between community hubs in rural and urban parts of the province. More projects will be announced in the coming weeks, and all will be completed by March 10, 2016.

For more information, visit http://novascotia.ca/sustainabletransportation/ .