Government Supports Sustainable Transportation in Pictou

Government is supporting two sustainable transportation projects in Pictou County.

Finance and Treasury Board Minister Randy Delorey, on behalf of Energy Minister Michel Samson, announced support for two community projects through the province's sustainable transportation grant program, Connect2.

"Investments in sustainable transportation are about much more than trails and road signs – they encourage active living, reduce our carbon footprint, and connect people to their communities and to one another," said Mr. Delorey. "These important projects are community driven by dedicated staff and volunteers, and government is pleased to come to the table as a partner."

Government is providing $28,550 to the Town of Trenton to build a trail connection between Trenton Park and Smelt Brook, along the Trenton Airport corridor. This project and its accompanying road signs make up the third phase of the town's plan to close the Trans Canada Trail gap from Pictou to New Glasgow.

"There are several important active transportation projects either complete or underway in Trenton, with a goal to connect people to the great things our community has to offer," said Trenton Mayor Glen MacKinnon. "We want to make it just as easy to walk or bike as it is to drive a car, and we're pleased government shares and supports that vision."

Government is also providing $4,580 to the Town of Westville for a signage project called Connecting the Dots. This project will lead visitors and residents in and out of Westville via existing active transportation infrastructure, including the Trans Canada Trail routes to Stellarton and New Glasgow.

The Westville project includes the use of sharrows, a new road marking aimed at helping cyclists and motorists to share the road more safely.

"This part of Pictou County is full of wonderful walking and biking trails as part of the Trans Canada Trail network," said Roger MacKay, Mayor of Westville. "Through this project, we'll ensure residents and visitors can find and navigate those trails -- easier than ever before."

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/ .