Ottawa/CMEDIA: An announcement was made today by Harjit Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada regarding a federal investment of more than $1.7 million to support three Indigenous-led active transportation projects in northern British Columbia.
The Nisga’a Village of Gitlaxt’aamix is being funded for the construction of a new sidewalk on Tait Avenue. Crosswalks, benches and signage will also be installed. The drainage and stormwater management system will be built to be resilient to climate change.
Funding for Witset Canyon Connection project, a multi-use pathway along Highway 16 in Wiset First Nation to enable the creation of a separate pedestrian pathway, for safe walking and biking, and improving access to cultural activities and traditional fishing.
Funding would also be granted to Lake Babine Nation to facilitate building of a pathway with solar-powered lighting connecting Sus Avenue to William Konkin Elementary School in the Village of Burns Lake.
The funding announced today supports Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy by expanding networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges.
Applications for planning and capital projects from eligible Indigenous recipients, under the Active Transportation Fund, continue to be accepted on an ongoing basis, a minimum of 10% of which has been allocated for Indigenous recipients to ensure Indigenous communities have access to the Fund. In addition, Indigenous communities may receive up to 100% of eligible project costs for capital projects to increased active transportation.
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