Merritt receiving $200,000 grant for active transportation

People in communities throughout B.C. will soon benefit from better cycling, pedestrian and other active-transportation infrastructure that will safely connect neighbourhoods to parks, schools and town centres.

“Climate action must include investments in infrastructure that enable people to choose environmentally friendly modes of travel that are critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, like walking, biking and rolling,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of State for Infrastructure. “These safe transportation options protect the environment, connect communities and are key to B.C.’s recovery plan and our commitment to climate action.”

Thirty-three Indigenous and local governments will receive funding for projects that align with provincial priorities to increase the number of people walking and cycling, as well as improving the safety and health of vulnerable road users, community connectivity, accessibility, tourism and climate change mitigation.

The City of Merritt will be receiving $203,976 in grant funding from the province to complete the rotary park multi-use pathway upgrade and Voght Street connections from the path in Central Park.

“The trails in Rotary Park are in poor condition and need of improvements to meet guidelines. In recent years, low points on the pathway have pooled with water, causing users to walk along high points in the grass, an option that is not accessible to all ages and abilities,” said Planning Manager Don McArthur.

Despite the large grant the City is set to contribute $87,419 to the project.

“As this is a cost-sharing grant, with 70% funded through the Province, the City would be required to fund 30% of the project costs. Municipalities may use Gas Tax funds to pay for their share of the project,” said McArthur.