Eighteen communities throughout British Columbia will benefit from BikeBC grants for cycling projects that support green transportation options and encourage healthy, active lifestyles.

From Cache Creek to Trail, 14 communities in the Interior are receiving age-friendly grants to support British Columbia seniors, so they can live active, safe, socially engaged and independent lives.

Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $1.76 million for 11 projects in northern B.C., Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.

Kamloops will receive $1 million in BikeBC funding this year for the Peterson Creek Multi-use Path Phase 1 project, announced Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

Families in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district will benefit from improved transportation services, thanks to $244,630 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

Driving Miss Sayward, a fitness park for seniors and new dementia resources are some of the projects that will soon be underway as 28 B.C. communities receive age-friendly community planning and project grants totalling $496,165.

Construction is slated to begin Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, on a major pedestrian and cyclist safety improvement project for the Stanley Park Causeway.

Wider sidewalks on both sides of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge will open to pedestrians and cyclists, allowing for a safer crossing on this key connection between communities on the North Shore, Burnaby and Vancouver.

Helping seniors remain safe, active and independent is garnering honours for 11 communities around British Columbia, Health Minister Terry Lake announced.