NORTH VANCOUVER – New Democrat MLAs Bowinn Ma and Susie Chant are welcoming provincial funding, part of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan, for active transportation infrastructure to better connect the North Shore, create a more accessible community, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Across the North Shore, people have embraced active transportation this year in a way that we must continue to encourage,” said Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale and Minister of State for Infrastructure. “B.C.’s Economic Recovery plan is about building our province back better than before and supporting safer walking and cycling paths is an important part of encouraging more environmentally and socially responsible transportation choices in our community.”
“Being outside and getting physically active are important for physical and mental health, especially during the pandemic,” said Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour. “I’m glad to see this infrastructure is part of our Economic Recovery Plan.”
Two projects on the North Shore will be receiving funding for their design stage. At Capilano Road, a new cycling lane will be built on the Highway 1 eastbound ramp, and a multi-use pathway will replace the existing northbound sidewalk. On Lynn Valley Road, a new multi-use pathway under the Highway 1 overpass will connect existing bike lanes at 21st Street and Morgan Road.
Earlier this year, funding was announced for 1.4 kilometers of bike lanes further north on Lynn Valley Road, between Mountain Highway and Dempsey Road.
The two new projects being announced today are among 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.
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/releases/2020TRAN0171-002052