Provincial boost for active transportation projects in the Okanagan and Interior

Active transportation projects in the region are getting support from the province.

B.C. is providing a total of $85-million through the Active Transportation Capital Fund to improve 11 active transportation networks in nine communities, with one located in the Central Okanagan and five others across the Interior.

In Peachland, an undisclosed amount of provincial funds will be used for the engineering and construction of active transportation and transit-stop improvements at the intersection of Clements Crescent and Highway 97. It will also support the building of a new separated pathway along Highway 97 south of Ponderosa Drive.

Three projects in Kamloops are also benefiting from the investment.

The funds will go towards the construction of a one-kilometre stretch of the Shuswap Road multi-use pathway from Sun Rivers to Sienna Ridge, as well as complete a feasibility study for the path to run from Sienna Ridge to La Farge. Additionally, provincial aid will go towards completing the engineering for potential active transportation improvements on overpasses of Highways 1 and 5 through Kamloops and the Thompson River.

“When people have the opportunity to use safe, efficient and affordable travel options, they take it,” Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said.

“That’s why we’re building overpasses, trail networks and bike lanes that will give a new generation new ways to travel within and between their communities.”

The other Interior projects the Active Transportation Capital Fund investment is also supporting are a pedestrian and cycling connection across Highway 5 in Merritt, and a Highway 3A bridge crossing in Nelson to access Kootenay Lake.