Province provides cash for multi-use paths across Thompson-Okanagan

Photo: Contributed

People across the Thompson-Okanagan will soon benefit from better active transportation infrastructure that will safely connect neighbourhoods to parks, schools and town centres.

NDP Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu says Vernon will be receiving $500,000 for a multi-use path along Silver Star Road.

"Soon, more pedestrians and cyclists will be able to enjoy the multi-use path," said Sandhu. "It will be great to see people using the paved path to safely walk their kids to school, cycle to work, or explore more of Vernon."

The funding will build 1,250 metres of pathway.

Vernon is one of 33 communities across the province receiving funding for shovel-ready projects that will increase the number of people walking and cycling as well as improve safety. Other projects include:

• Chase - $119,100: Pedestrian safety improvements on Chase Street/Thompson Avenue will include 70 metres of new sidewalk, wheelchair let-downs, signage and road markings.
• Columbia Shuswap Regional District in partnership with Splatsin te Secwépemc - $500,000 for preliminary 19.8-kilometre rail trail corridor on the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail between Sicamous and Mara.
• District of Clearwater - $331,353: Multi-use pathway-safe connector project.
• Kamloops - $451,458: Westsyde Road multi-use path project will construct 430 metres of paved multi-use path and extend an existing path.
• Kelowna - $500,000: Casorso active transportation corridor project, 700-metre protected bike route.
• Merritt - $203,976: Rotary Park multi-use pathway upgrade and Voght Street connections.
• Revelstoke - $192,705: Airport Way multi-use trail project, 600-metre final section of 4.5-kilometre pedestrian and cycling network.
• Salmon Arm - $500,000: Ross Street underpass (Phase 1) under the Canadian Pacific Railway that includes 260 metres of new sidewalk providing a connection between downtown and the waterfront.
• Tk'emlups te Secwépemc Kamloops Indian Reserve #1 - $500,000: East Shuswap Road multi-use path, 300 metres providing connectivity to Chief Louis Centre lands.

The projects are aligned with provincial priorities to enhance community connectivity, accessibility, tourism and climate change mitigation.

Making active transportation more accessible for people is central to Move. Commute. Connect., B.C.’s strategy to make local transportation safer, greener, and more accessible for all British Columbians.

Some $36 million is committed to this program over the next three years, with nearly $12.7 million in Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants being awarded in 2021.