Funding Supports Clean Transportation in Kentville

The province is investing more than $1.2 million to complete the Town of Kentville’s active transportation network.

Residents and visitors will have more safe, accessible, sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to move around the municipality with funding from all levels of government.

“Completing Kentville’s active transportation network will help the province achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and make clean transportation options the easy and healthy choice for residents,” said Keith Irving, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of Energy and Mines Minister Chuck Porter.

The federal government is investing almost $1.5 million in the project, and the municipality is contributing over $970,000. The total cost of the project is $3.5 million.

The project will support the construction of 21 infrastructure projects that will complete the town’s grid for cyclists and pedestrians in the downtown core, while building feeder routes into town and creating links to the Nova Scotia Blue Route, the provincial cycling network.

The project links the Town of Kentville’s active transportation plan and accessibility action plan, building connections between active transportation and the goal of achieving accessibility by 2030.

The work includes:

• 21 kilometres of active transportation routes, including separated multi-use pathways, signed bicycle lanes, active transportation bridges and crossings
• 21 projects throughout the town core and rural connections
• support for the Nova Scotia Blue Route cycling network

Construction is expected to start this August and will be completed by October 2027.

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 work towards a greener Canada. 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.”

– Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“This project will result in a decrease of nearly 17,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the project, and will also bridge gaps in accessibility as identified in the Accessibility Action Plan. The Town of Kentville is on the road to becoming a leader in active transportation, accessibility and inclusion, due greatly in part to this funding. It is an amazing opportunity for the Town to step into this leadership role for the province and the Atlantic region.”

– Sandra Snow, mayor, Town of Kentville

“The town’s active transportation plan has so many overlaps with the new Accessibility Action Plan - this will make it so much easier for residents and visitors with strollers, walkers, wheelchairs or other devices to make their way through the downtown, and also around their neighbourhood. This funding is supporting active transportation and accessibility in a big way.”

– Laurel Taylor, chair, Kentville Accessibility Committee

Quick Facts:

• 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/

Kentville Moves Active Transportation Plan: https://www.kentvillemoves.ca/

Kentville Accessibility Action Plan: https://kentville.ca/sites/default/files/media/files/Kentville%20Accessibility%20Action%20Plan%20-%20Small%20v2.pdf