CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO STAY ACTIVE
Pedestrian
and Cycling Plan Promotes Active Transportation
Victoria, British Columbia – Key
elements of the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) recently completed Pedestrian
and Cycling Master Plan (PCMP) will soon be implemented thanks to a
contribution of $780,950 from the Government of Canada’s Gas Tax Fund transfer.
“Our Government is proud to support environmentally
friendly projects that create jobs and promote healthy, active communities,”
said the Honourable Ed Fast,
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway. “Through the
Gas Tax Fund transfer, we are providing significant infrastructure funding for
every municipality in Canada to choose and prioritize projects in their own
communities.”
A series of projects will be undertaken over the next
two years to increase walking and cycling in the community. To encourage
residents’ use of sustainable transportation, the PCMP will implement
pedestrian and cycle-friendly infrastructure, such as bike activated warning
signals, advisory bike lanes, and traffic calming for bike boulevards. Other
elements include solar-powered signage, automated count stations, and secure
lock-up systems that support dual-mode trips such as cycling and
transit. The PCMP also promotes a Rider / Driver Etiquette campaign and a
road skills course.
The CRD will contribute an additional $87,600 to
complete the project.
“While each community has its own active
transportation plan and its own bike network, travel is truly a regional
issue,” said Alastair Bryson, CRD Board Chair, who notes that 58 per cent of
the 1 million trips CRD residents take each day cross municipal boundaries.
“The master plan provides a blueprint for how the municipalities can work
together to create a seamless network for cycling facilities in the same way
that transit and automobiles have come to expect.”
“Building infrastructure that provides a safer, more
attractive setting for cyclists to travel by greatly enhances the Capital
Regional District’s transportation network and contributes to a cleaner
environment,” said Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural
Development. “This Gas Tax grant enables the district to move forward on key
elements of their Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan – giving them the funding
they need to go from vision to realization in creating a first-class system of
cycling supports.”
“Built
environments that encourage cycling and pedestrian activity are more supportive
of community health,” said Mary Sjostrom, Union of BC Municipalities
President. “By helping the CRD to attain its ambitious cycling and
pedestrian goals, the federal Gas Tax Fund is making it easier to choose active
transportation across the region.”
Since
2006, the Government of Canada has made unprecedented investments in
infrastructure. Through the Gas Tax Fund alone, municipalities across the
country have received over $10 billion in transfers for local priority
initiatives. Making this fund permanent at $2 billion annually was part of
Canada's Economic Action Plan – a plan to help create good jobs, economic
growth and long-term prosperity.
The Gas Tax Fund transfer provides predictable,
long-term funding for Canadian municipalities to help them build and revitalize
public infrastructure. Projects are chosen locally and prioritized according to
the infrastructure needs of each community.
Between
2006 and 2014, British Columbia will receive more than $1.56 billion from the
Gas Tax Fund to improve local infrastructure. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities
(UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC, in collaboration with Canada and
British Columbia.
For
additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay
up-to-date with Web feeds, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
To find
out what the Government of Canada is doing to promote jobs, growth and
prosperity, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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