NANAIMO – New Democrat MLA Sheila Malcolmson says people in Nanaimo will soon benefit from better active transportation infrastructure that will safely connect neighbourhoods to parks, schools, and town centres.

“Investing in active transportation infrastructure leads to happier and healthier lifestyles and more livable communities,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “I am encouraged by the increase in people choosing more energy-efficient ways to get around throughout Nanaimo and that’s why we are supporting this important project.”

The City of Nanaimo is receiving $500,000 for the Metral Complete Street Corridor Phase 2 project to build 1.7 km of continuous sidewalks, unidirectional protected cycle tracks, raised intersections, curb extensions, and marked crosswalks. Earlier this week, the City of Nanaimo also won a Community Excellence Award in the Excellence in Sustainability category at the Union of BC Municipalities 2021 Convention.

A total of 33 Indigenous and local governments across the province are receiving funding for shovel-ready projects that will increase the number of people walking and cycling as well as improve the safety of vulnerable road users. 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 comprehensive strategy to make local transportation safer, greener, and more accessible for all British Columbians. $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.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021TRAN0135-001815