NDP MLAs Leonard and Osborne say more active transportation options are rolling out for the Comox Valley

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ROYSTON – New Democrat MLAs Ronna-Rae Leonard and Josie Osborne say people in the Comox Valley will have more options for active transportation with provincial funding for local projects.

“Active transportation infrastructure plays a vital role in our communities and makes roadways safer for all,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “These new investments will allow for easier access to the schools, businesses, and other destinations that people know and love in the Comox Valley.”

In the Comox Valley, the following projects received funding through the New Democrat government’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program:

  • Comox Valley Regional District – $500,000
    • Royston Road Mixed-Use Path, multi-use pathway with physical separation from vehicle traffic.
  • Comox – $500,000
    • Beaufort Avenue Upgrade, sidewalk connecting Church Street to Nordin Street
  • Courtenay – $500,000
    • Lake Trail Multi-Use Pathway, multi-use pathway connecting Webb Road to Lake Trail School.
  • Courtenay – $273,296
    • 5th Street Bike Lanes and Intersection Enhancements for Improved Safety, protected bike lanes connecting to the downtown core.

“Whether you’re cycling to school or to work, a safe, protected multi-use path helps people feel comfortable so they can get out of cars and take advantage of healthy, active modes of transportation,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “The Royston Road Path has been a long-standing vision for Royston families and local leaders, and I am thrilled to see this partnership with the Comox Valley Regional District to lower pollution and congestion while providing safer access to the elementary school and for local commuters. This project is a win for everyone!”

About this project, CVRD Area A director Daniel Arbour said, “the project addresses a decades-long request to have safer pathways for kids around Royston School. The project is also part of a long-term plan to provide better active transportation routes around Royston and Union Bay. I want to thank our MLA Josie Osborne, Area A School Trustee Chelsea McCannel-Keene, MOTI, and the Royston PAC (with special thanks to Jasmin Tufnail) for making this project a reality!”

Across B.C., $24 million in provincial funding will support 80 active transportation infrastructure projects, including 59 projects to build safer transportation networks for people choosing active modes of transit. Additionally, 21 communities are receiving funding to create network plans that can lay the groundwork for future active transportation projects.

The grants will make it easier and safer for people to choose active transportation to get to work, school, shopping, or other destinations in their communities.

The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program supports the Province’s CleanBC commitment to increase shares of trips by walking, cycling and transit.