Families may now walk, jog, bike, skate, or wheel on the newest section of the award-winning North Shore Spirit Trail, thanks to North Shore-wide community co-operation and funding provided by the Province, the District of North Vancouver and TransLink.

Once completed, the 35-kilometre North Shore Spirit Trail will be a unique waterfront-oriented, low-lying, multi-use and fully accessible pathway, running the length of the North Shore from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. The trail will provide access for pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, inline skaters, and people with wheeled mobility aids, as well as connect the North Shore to the SeaBus, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Second Narrows Bridge.

The Province provided $500,000 to build a one-km section of the Spirit Trail, which runs from Whonoak Rd. to Pemberton Ave. The District of North Vancouver provided $433,000, and TransLink provided $66,500 towards this project. In addition, the Province is providing $750,000 and the District of North Vancouver is providing $731,000 to design and construct the next section, which will run from Pemberton Ave. to MacKay Rd. Construction is scheduled to start this summer.

Quotes:

Mayor of District of North Vancouver Richard Walton -

"The North Shore Spirit Trail is a wonderful example of community cooperation between the North Shore municipalities, First Nations, Provincial Government, TransLink and community organizations. It is a great amenity for people of all abilities and fitness levels, and will improve connections with neighbourhoods all across the North Shore."

TransLink CEO Ian Jarvis -

"The North Shore Spirit Trail provides yet another option to private vehicles. TransLink's investment in this important piece of cycling infrastructure can help promote ways of reducing traffic congestion and air pollution, while encouraging more active transportation at the same time."

These investments are part of the Province's BikeBC program, aimed at expanding cycling infrastructure. Through BikeBC, the province partners with communities to fund a variety of cycling projects, including the creation of safe and high-quality cycling corridors, improvements to existing cycling infrastructure and other equipment that makes cycling a safer and more convenient option for families and communities.

Cycling is a key component of the Province's strategy for encouraging healthy living and addressing climate change, in conjunction with the Climate Action Plan and the Provincial Transit Plan.

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has committed over $143 million in cycling infrastructure, creating new bicycle lanes and trails in over 75 communities.
• This commitment includes $50 million in cycling infrastructure as part of the Gateway Program - the largest cycling investment in B.C.'s history.
• Cycling 10 kilometres to and from work every day would reduce your greenhouse gas emmisions by 15,000 kg a year.
• Cycling eight kilometres is equal to 30 minutes of moderate exercise.

Learn More:

• Local Governments may apply to BikeBC through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's BikeBC - Cycling Infrastructure Partnerships Program, or contact the ministry at MoTcycling@gov.bc.ca Find more information on cycling in BC: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC
• Find more information on the North Shore Spirit Trail: www.dnv.org
• Find more information on Bike Safety: http://bikesafety.caa.ca/index.php

Contact:

Jeff Knight
Government Communications and Public Engagement (GCPE)
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-7707

Jeanine Bratina
Communications and Community Relations Officer
District of North Vancouver
604 990 2459