Province Funds New Sustainable Transportation Projects

People in communities across Nova Scotia will soon have access to more transportation choices that are better for their health and for the environment.

Energy Minister Charlie Parker today, March 26, announced grants totalling $918,655 for 28 community groups across Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia Moves Sustainable Transportation Program projects.

"We want to make it easier for Nova Scotians to walk, bike and take public transit to get where they need to go," Mr. Parker said. "We're happy to see so many eligible projects in literally every corner of the province. Sustainable transportation is a priority and it's wonderful to be able to work with community groups to roll out projects that will improve so many people's lives."

The grants will support projects ranging from new bike paths and walking trails to collective approaches to public transit for more rural communities.

The Cumberland County Transportation Service received $20,000 to introduce a second paid driver to its service. The Cumberland Transportation Service provides door-to-door transport to residents with financial or physical challenges. The project has three drivers, but only one is paid and volunteer staffing has not been sustainable.

"It's the hardest thing in the world to turn someone down who desperately needs a drive to a medical appointment because you just don't have the room for anybody else," said Susan Belliveau, manager of Cumberland County Transportation Service. "The Nova Scotia Moves grant we received means we can hire another driver to pick up passengers we previously could not have taken.

"Having access to low-cost, public transportation is life changing for people who have financial or physical challenges. For those who have health issues, being able to access transportation to appointments and services preserves their independence. Passengers with financial limitations are able to put the money they save using our service towards other expenses like food or home heating costs."

Nova Scotia Moves grants were awarded to municipalities, social and community groups across the province, and cover 50 per cent of the cost of programs for active transportation, community transit, data collection, education and social marketing. Nova Scotia Moves projects help promote healthy living and protect and preserve the environment.

More information and a list of grant recipients by region is available at www.novascotia.ca/energy/nsmoves/ .