OWELL RIVER – New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons says new funding from the BC NDP government will help Powell River create an active transportation development plan to encourage more people to cycle, walk, skateboard, and use other forms of active transportation.

“People in Powell River love to ride their bikes, and find that it’s a better alternative to driving,” said Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “I’m excited we are partnering with the City, whose consistent approach to lay out a clear plan for active transportation will benefit everyone in our community, no matter how they choose to get around.”

The City of Powell River will receive $20,000 to update the Sustainable Official Community Plan with a Bicycle Strategy.

This funding for Powell River is part of $600,000 that will be available from 2020-2022. These grants are awarded to local governments and administered by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).

MLA Simons says this initiative is part of Move. Commute, Connect., B.C.’s Active Transportation Strategy, a plan to make walking, cycling and other forms of active transportation as safe and convenient as possible. By facilitating more clean and sustainable methods of getting around, New Democrats are supporting a healthier, more resilient natural environment.

Move. Commute. Connect. is part of the New Democrat government’s CleanBC plan to put B.C. on a path to a low-carbon economy that creates opportunities for all while protecting our clean air, land and water.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021TRAN0115-001508

Learn more about the Active Transportation Planning Grant: https://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/funding/lgps/active-transportation.html

Learn more about B.C.’s strategy for more active transportation: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/active