Funding Supports Clean Transportation in Yarmouth

The province is investing nearly $790,000 in the Town of Yarmouth’s active transportation network.

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

“Investing in Yarmouth’s multi-use pathways 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 Health and Wellness Minister Zach Churchill, on behalf of Energy and Mines Minister Chuck Porter.

The federal government is investing almost $945,000 in the project, and the town is contributing almost $630,000. The total cost of the project is $2.36 million.

The multi-use pathways project will build four new multi-use paths totalling 2.93 kilometres and 130 metres of sidewalks to offer safe active transportation options. This will allow pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities to travel along the main active transportation route within the town’s downtown business core, residential area and high school district.

The project was identified in the Town of Yarmouth’s active transportation plan and complements the town’s recent Climate Change Mitigation Action Plan that was adopted in February.

The completion of the four new multi-use paths includes:

• asphalt between Starrs Road and Parade Street on Haley Road
• asphalt between Forrest Street and Argyle Street on Haley Road
• asphalt between Haley Road and Pleasant Street on Starrs Road
• traffic light replacement and sidewalk on Starrs Road

Construction is expected to start this fall and will be completed by fall 2023.

Quotes:

“The new multi-use paths will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build cleaner, greener communities, but they’ll also create more vibrant, livable spaces, healthier people, and good local jobs. By investing in these active transportation routes, we’re investing in the people and the community of Yarmouth.”

– Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“This project has so many high points. The trail will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and it is a vital piece of infrastructure that will connect one end of the town to the other. And for me, most importantly, it provides a space that can be used by all residents including walkers, runners, those in wheelchairs and scooters, cyclists and more. It encourages folks to get out in the fresh air – moving has health benefits and is important to our community."

– Pam Mood, mayor, Town of Yarmouth

Quick Facts:

• the province has set a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to 53 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030
• the Town of Yarmouth has set a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions 20 per cent below 2016 levels by the year 2030
• the project will create safe pathways for residents and visitors, particularly seniors and high school students

Additional Resources:

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

Yarmouth Moves Active Transportation Plan: https://www.townofyarmouth.ca/207-active-transportation-master-plan-2010/file.html