Governments Support Sustainable Transportation in Cape Breton
Government is supporting three projects in Cape Breton that will help connect community hubs and promote active living.
MLAs David Wilton and Derek Mombourquette, on behalf of Energy Minister Michel Samson, announced today, Sept. 9, local projects that will receive funding from Connect2, the province's sustainable transportation grant program.
"Here in Cape Breton, we have great potential for sustainable transportation options," said Mr. Wilton. "These project teams have committed to developing that potential to provide safe and environmentally-friendly modes of transportation for our students and community members."
With a $60,000 grant from Connect2, an $800,000 contribution from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's Innovative Communities Fund, and $425,000 of its own funds, Cape Breton Regional Municipality will complete four sections of the Grand Lake Road Multi-use Path. The path connects Cape Breton University to the Marconi Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College to Sydney and Glace Bay.
"The Government of Canada is committed to making investments that improve the physical and mental health of Canadians," said Rodger Cuzner, MP for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "This new path will provide students, residents and visitors with a convenient, safe and scenic way to travel between communities."
Cape Breton Regional Municipality will also receive funding through Connect2 for its bike route project. The municipality will match the $15,000 grant to encourage urban cycling as a practical transportation option with line painting, signs, and infrastructure upgrades.
"The funds from Connect2 and the Innovative Communities Fund will assist with the construction of several kilometres of the multi-use path along Grand Lake Road," said Cecil Clarke, mayor, Cape Breton Regional Municipality. "That brings us closer to completing an active transportation link connecting Glace Bay to Sydney and all points in between."
With $3,000 from Connect2, the Heart and Stroke Foundation will address the state of walkability in Cape Breton and offer solutions for improvement through planning and walkable communities workshops. "Our residents will benefit hugely from this initiative," said Mr. Mombourquette. "I am proud to support a project that will aim to improve and promote walkability in our community."
"Walking is the most accessible form of active transportation for Nova Scotians of any age, yet walkability can often be an afterthought in the community planning process," said Charlotte Comrie, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. "This workshop, for planners and others interested in active transportation, is about making our communities more accessible for everyone, from children to seniors."
Connect2 is intended 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, 2017.
For more information, visit http://novascotia.ca/sustainabletransportation/.