NDP MLAs Osborne and Leonard welcome funding for active transportation infrastructure

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COURTENAY – New Democrat MLAs Josie Osborne and Ronna-Rae Leonard are welcoming provincial funding, part of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan, for active transportation infrastructure to better connect the Comox Valley, create a more accessible community, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Getting outdoors in a safe way has become really crucial for people to stay physically and mentally healthy during the pandemic,” said Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “This funding encourages COVID-19-safe activities by improving cycling and pedestrian safety in our community.”

“I’m so pleased to see this funding for active transportation come to our region,” said Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “By supporting local jobs and improving connections in our community, our government is delivering on our commitment to build a recovery that works for everyone.”

Projects include:

    • Second phase of construction of the trail along Back Road through the Komoks First Nation. Improvements include installation of new culverts to increase pedestrian safety.
    • Shoulder widening and paving north bound for 6 km from Buckley Bay to Union Bay, increasing pedestrian and cycling safety along this section of Highway 19A.
    • Shoulder widening and paving southbound for 5 km from Sundry Road to Qualicum Bay, increasing pedestrian and cycling safety along this section of Highway 19A.

These projects are three of 45 projects around B.C. receiving a total of $16.7 million, part of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan. All projects are either completed or underway, creating local jobs and supporting local businesses. Active projects are expected to be completed by March 2021.

New Democrats introduced the Economic Recovery Plan to to help people, businesses and communities recover and come out of COVID-19 stronger and better prepared. B.C.’s total provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic exceeds $8.25 billion.

The MLAs say these projects also support 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/23408