Province Announces South Shore Sustainable Transportation Grant Recipients

The province is helping people on the South Shore access more sustainable, active and accessible transportation.

Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey, on behalf of Energy Minister Charlie Parker, announced today, Feb. 20, that community groups in Chester, Bridgewater, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg will receive more than $90,000 from the Nova Scotia Moves Sustainable Transportation Grant Program.

"We want to encourage people to think twice about driving their cars and, instead, walk, bike or take public transit, when possible," said Mr. Ramey. "These grants will help provide more options for transportation that is healthier and better for the environment."

The grants will support:

• installing bike racks in Mahone Bay
• a service to help Chester students get home from organized after-school activities
• an active transportation route from the new Osprey Village development to Bridgewater,
• an active transportation survey to help ensure Bridgewater's long-term planning meets the needs of the community

"Chester's Community Wheels program will help young people in our community travel home from after-school recreation activities," said project co-ordinator Sandra Meister. "These students will now be able to stay active and connected after school."

Nova Scotia's Sustainable Transportation Strategy aims to provide Nova Scotians with better transportation choices that promote healthy living and help protect and preserve the environment.

The province consulted with a number of municipalities, environmental organizations and transit-oriented community groups to ensure the Nova Scotia Moves Grant Program responds to people's needs.