Province Launches Sustainable Transportation Projects
Residents in Annapolis Valley will benefit from cleaner, greener travel options with the launch of two sustainable transportation projects today, June 13, in Wolfville.
"Achieving greater efficiency in the transportation sector is one of the ways we are helping protect our environment," said David Morse, Minister of Natural Resources, who announced the projects on behalf of Richard Hurlburt, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "Sustainable transportation can help Nova Scotians save fuel and money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
The town received $12,500 in provincial funding toward the construction of the Rail Trail, a one-kilometre multi-use trail. It will encourage active transportation such as walking and cycling.
The Rail Trail will be part of the Kieran Pathways, a network of walking trails being developed that will be named after the late cycling and active transportation enthusiast Kieran O'Malley. He was a Wolfville resident who passed away in 2005 after battling cancer.
"The Rail Trail captures the true spirit of active transportation," said Wolfville Mayor Robert Stead. "Whether you walk, bike or jog, this trail encourages healthy, environmentally-friendly transportation choices and exemplifies our commitment to sustainability."
Mr. Morse also announced $22,000 in funding to helped the Trans County Transportation Society purchase a wheelchair accessible minibus.
"The new minibus will help increase the efficiency and accessibility of the transportation services we provide to our members, the residents of Annapolis and Kings Counties," said the society's office manager Debbie Decker. "The multi-passenger minibus will help us serve even more members while reducing our kilometres travelled and fuel consumed."
The two projects fall under the Ecology Action Centre's Green Mobility Capital Grants pilot program which is funded by Conserve Nova Scotia. The program helps towns, municipalities and community groups create sustainable transportation projects.
"The response to the program has been tremendous and these two projects are good examples of its success," said Laena Garrison, transportation co-ordinator, Ecology Action Centre. "Since announcing the grant recipients last summer, we have received several requests about the program, indicating both demand and public support for sustainable transportation options in Nova Scotia."
Other Green Mobility Grants projects are underway in Bridgewater, Tantallon, Parrsboro, Judique, the Town of Pictou, Pictou County, and the Strait area.
Under the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act, Nova Scotia aims to have one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world by 2020.