The provincial government has announced a new active transportation planning grant for local governments with a population of up to 25,000.
The Active Transportation Planning Grant will allow those local governments to receive funding to incorporate or strengthen active transportation components of their community development plans.
A total of $600,000 will be available over two years for this program. Local governments with a population up to 25,000 that meet the grant criteria are eligible for up to $10,000 toward their active transportation planning costs.
The province said the funding will help make cycling, walking and other forms of active transportation safe, accessible and convenient for people, while lessening climate pollution caused by greenhouse gases.
All local governments (municipalities or regional districts) in B.C. that meet the following criteria can apply:
- Have a population of up to 25,000 (based on 2016 Census data). Note: regional districts can
apply for one or more electoral areas with a combined population of up to 25,000 in a single
application. - Do not have an active transportation plan or have a plan over five years old.
- Are currently or will be undertaking a community land use and/or transportation plan to which an active transportation lens will be included.
- Have not received a network planning grant from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant program.
“Building well-connected, accessible and safe, active transportation routes will give British Columbians more opportunities to leave their cars at home,” Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure said in a statement.
“Local governments play a significant role in network planning, and I’m pleased to offer this new grant to help communities incorporate active transportation into their road planning.”
The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) will administer the grant.
“Building smart, connected communities where people can cycle and walk around their community is a priority for our government,” Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, said in a statement.
“Grant programs like this one will help local governments better plan, design and build the infrastructure their communities need to help promote a healthy lifestyle.”
Applications will be open from Aug. 31, to Oct. 30, 2020. The application form can be found here.
“As communities look to expand active transportation options, detailed planning is crucial,” Maja Tait, UBCM president and mayor of the District of Sooke said in a statement.
“Transportation changes invariably have a wide range of impacts, so we are glad to see this provincial investment that supports the effective integration of new options for active travel.”
Learn more about B.C.’s strategy for more active transportation here: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/
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