Robust Active Transportation Network for Wolfville
Creating more active transportation options is a commitment in the Province's climate change plan. (Communications Nova Scotia / File)
The Province is helping build more than 10 kilometres of multi-use trails in Wolfville.
“Investments in clean, active transportation help keep all Nova Scotians moving and healthy,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr, MLA for Kings North, on behalf of Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. “This project in Wolfville will advance our goal to complete core active transportation networks that are accessible for all ages and abilities in 65 per cent of the province’s communities by 2030.”
Funding from all three levels of government will be used to develop a core active transportation network throughout the town, with protected bike lanes, improved crossings and connecting sidewalk segments. This infrastructure will increase affordable transportation options and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion.
The project, which will connect to the provincial Blue Route cycling network, will give residents, students and visitors more safe, accessible and environmentally friendly ways to move around the community.
Creating more active transportation options is a commitment in Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth. The plan aims to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for all Nova Scotians. It includes initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, switch to clean energy and transportation, create a clean economy, make homes and buildings energy efficient and able to stand up to the impacts of climate change, and help Nova Scotians adapt to the changing climate.
Quotes:
“Today’s announcement is wonderful news for the community of Wolfville. Residents will benefit greatly from these multi-use pathways — suitable for all ages and abilities — that will take them to various destinations in town and give them a direct connection to the Blue Route cycling network. The expansion of active transportation networks in Canadian communities is an important way in which we are working to support long-term, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”
— Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“The Town of Wolfville is committed to managed and responsive growth. We know the challenges growth can bring to resident and visitor quality of life and travel-related climate impacts. And so we are immensely appreciative of this opportunity to create modern, responsive active transportation opportunities that will enable everyone — whether rolling or strolling in our growing community — to do so in a safe, healthy and enjoyable way.”
— Wendy Donovan, Mayor, Town of Wolfville
Quick Facts:
- the total cost of the project is more than $3.3 million
- the provincial contribution is about $1.1 million, with about $1.3 million coming from the federal government and about $891,000 from the Town of Wolfville
- more than 50 infrastructure projects under the federal Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in Nova Scotia, with more than $431 million in provincial funding and $327 million in federal funding
- creating active transportation networks advances action 43 under Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth
Additional Resources:
Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/ns-climate-change-plan.pdf
Nova Scotia’s Blue Route: https://blueroute.ca/
Green Infrastructure stream of Investing in Canada Plan: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gi-iv-eng.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-ns-eng.html
Information on federal climate plans and targets: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html