New Clean Transportation Options For Port Hawkesbury

The province is investing $1 million to build seven kilometres of new multi-use pathways and crossings to provide alternative ways for people of all ages and abilities to commute to local amenities and attractions in Port Hawkesbury.

People will have more safe, accessible, sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to move around the municipality thanks to funding from all three levels of government.

“With these new clean transportation options, more people will be able to get outside and move around in ways that promote better health and a cleaner environment,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “These new options will promote a healthy community and will attract visitors pursuing an active lifestyle.”

The federal government is investing more than $1.2 million and the Town of Port Hawkesbury is contributing $800,000 towards the project, which will also connect to the Nova Scotia Blue Route cycling network.

The network will add on-and-off-road pathways connected to:

• the waterfront (2.5 kilometres)
• MacQuarrie Drive (one kilometre)
• Reeves Street (700 metres)
• the Nova Scotia Blue Route connection at Tamarac Drive (500 metres)
• an eastern town connector (2.3 kilometres)

“Increasing safe, accessible active transportation options helps to reduce emissions by encouraging people to keep their cars at home,” said Transportation and Active Transit Minister Lloyd Hines, on behalf of Energy and Mines Minister Chuck Porter.

Construction is expected to begin later this summer and will take five years to complete.

Quotes:

“This global pandemic has highlighted the need for all Canadians to stay healthy both physically and mentally. Active transportation options like the ones we are announcing today will not only help residents stay fit but it will also support our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As we build back better, Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds stronger, safer and more resilient communities.”

– Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Our council knows that an active community is a healthier community. These seven kilometers of active transportation connectors will enable more citizens and visitors to enjoy our town’s businesses, green spaces, waterfront and residential areas and to add even more options for engagement in healthy and active lifestyles, no matter their age or level of ability.”

– Brenda Chisholm-Beaton, mayor, Port Hawkesbury

Quick Facts:

• the investment completes Port Hawkesbury’s active transportation network
• the network supports multi-use modes of transportation and connects residential areas with recreational facilities, retail and the Nova Scotia Community College Strait Area Campus
• the project will create a better connection to the town’s core that reduces vehicle traffic and builds on work to enhance and revitalize Reeves Street as a destination for residents and visitors
• there are 3,200 residents in the area: 62 per cent between 15 and 64 years of age, the age group most likely to use active transportation
• the province has set a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to 53 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030

Additional Resources:

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Nova Scotia Blue Route: https://blueroute.ca/

Destination Reeves Street: http://www.townofporthawkesbury.ca/Reeves