Province Announces Choose How You Move Initiatives

Published by the Department of Energy

Monday, April 22, 2013

Nova Scotians will have more opportunity to walk, bike, share rides and access public transit because of a new provincial strategy. Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse, on behalf of Energy Minister Charlie Parker, released the province's Choose How You Move Sustainable Transportation Strategy, which commits $6 million in funding over the next three years to help communities develop sustainable transportation plans.

Quotes

“ I'm excited to talk about sustainable transportation, and to launch this initiative. It is focused on providing all Nova Scotians, including seniors, people with physical disabilities and youth, with more active, sustainable and cost-effective transportation options. ” Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse

“ The strategy recognizes that sustainable transportation is a complex issue, and that when we work together, we can accomplish so much more. ” Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse

“ There are many people of all ages who don't drive or don't have a vehicle. That is what makes sustainable transportation initiatives extremely important, especially in rural areas where in many cases, it's necessary to travel a substantial distance to access essential services. We are pleased government is acknowledging the challenges and finding ways to address them. ” Sandra Meister, Community Wheels co-ordinator.

Quick Facts

  • The Sustainable Transportation Strategy will help governments, businesses, communities and individuals to develop transportation solutions that result in a healthier and better connected province.
  • Sustainable transportation includes:
    • walking, biking and community transit
    • community design
    • cleaner vehicle technologies and cleaner, renewable fuels
    • energy conservation and efficiency, including carsharing, telecommuting and carpooling.
  • The province consulted with, and incorporated feedback, from a number of municipalities, environmental organizations and transit-oriented community groups to design and ensure the strategy is responsive to community needs.
  • Ms. Peterson-Rafuse also announced the second round of the Nova Scotia Moves Grants program is now open for applications. The deadline is June 22, and successful projects will be announced later this summer.
  • The program is already supporting 28 sustainable transportation initiatives, like Community Wheels, throughout the province.

Learn More

Media Contact

Jackie Van Amburg
Department of Energy
902-424-0794
Cell: 902-233-7685
E-mail:

Images

Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse, of behalf of Energy Minister Charlie Parker, releases the province's Choose How You Move Sustainable Transportation Strategy, which commits $6 million in funding over the next three years to help communities develop sustainable transportation plans.
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Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse, who made the announcement of behalf of Energy Minister Charlie Parker, walks with children after the sustainable transportation announcement.
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A group of cyclists bike along the shoulder of the highway.
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A helmet hands off handlebars as a group listens to the announcement in the background.
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A copy of the strategy is on the ground in front of a bike during the announcement.
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People make their way along a trail in the Chester area.
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A cyclist on the shoulder of the road.
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Audio

Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse, on behalf of Energy Minister Charlie Parker, says the strategy captures what is collectively trying to be accomplished.
She says it is an ambitious plan, with many priorities.
Sandra Meister, Community Wheels co-ordinator, says sustainable transportation initiatives are important because many people in the province don’t drive or don’t have a vehicle.