Government Funds Active Transportation Projects

NOTE: The list of funding recipients follows this release.

The Province is providing more than $350,000 for six active transportation projects across Nova Scotia that will improve connectivity within and between communities while reducing carbon emissions.

“The Connect2 program provides communities with a helping hand to encourage active transportation,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “The program encourages connectivity and active transportation by supporting infrastructure and design as well as capacity building and community engagement.”

The Washbrook Greenway Coalition in Sydney is using its funding to create a connecting greenway from the Baille Ard Nature Trail to Wentworth Park and the boardwalk on the waterfront. The project supports one of the more heavily populated areas of Cape Breton Regional Municipality and connects two schools while providing a direct link to the downtown.

Wagamatcook First Nation, which is divided by the Trans-Canada Highway, will use its Connect2 funding to complete a feasibility report on two projects: a highway passageway and a multi-use trail design and all-terrain vehicle prioritization plan. The consultant will assess how the projects could help people move around the community safely.

Quotes:

“The Washbrook Greenway Coalition is excited to begin the first phase of our active transportation connector project. This will enhance active transportation for local residents of all ages by generating a culture-of-wellness environment that supports physical activity and social connectedness while providing an alternate route to school, work and other destinations.”

– Stephanie Johnstone-Laurette, Chair, Washbrook Greenway Coalition

“A feasibility report by an engineering firm is critical to determining next steps to address safe and effective active transportation in our community. It will also help us address the challenges posed by the Trans-Canada Highway, which physically divides our community.”

– Chief Norman Bernard, Wagmatcook First Nation

Quick Facts:

• the Connect2 Program provides grants for active transportation infrastructure and design; shared mobility and bicycle fleets; and for capacity building and community engagement
• the program is open to registered non-profit societies or co-operatives, federally incorporated non-profit organizations, Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw bands, municipalities, post-secondary institutions and the private sector

Additional Resources:

More information on the Connect2 Program is available at: https://novascotia.ca/connect2/

Connect2 program recipients:

• Wagmatcook First Nation, $100,000 – feasibility report on a Trans-Canada Highway passageway and a multi-use trail design and all-terrain vehicle prioritization plan
• Washbrook Greenway Coalition (Sydney), $80,300 – Phase 1 of greenway from the Baille Ard Nature Trail to Wentworth Park and the boardwalk on the waterfront
• We’koqma’q First Nation, $75,000 – connecting community
• Ecology Action Centre, $41,250 – pop-up bike repair hub
• Halifax Cycling Coalition, $39,697 – expanding the Halifax Cycling Handbook
• Annapolis County Trails Society, $15,000 – Harvest Moon Trailway / Trans Canada Trail Blue Route Expansion