The Tsawwassen First Nation will receive $440,000 in BikeBC funding for a new multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians, as part of B.C. on the Move, the Government of B.C.’s 10-year transportation plan.

“This is the first time a First Nation has applied for funding from our BikeBC program,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “The new cycling and pedestrian path being built by the Tsawwassen First Nation will provide recreational and tourism opportunities and an important link to existing TransLink services in the region.”

The multi-use path will connect the Tsawwassen First Nation with the BC Ferries terminal, creating tourism opportunities for the First Nation. It will also connect to a multi-use path recently opened on Blue Heron Way, which in turn connects to multiple cycling paths being constructed through the Tsawwassen First Nation residential, commercial and industrial development areas.

The new off-street path will be located from Tsawwassen Drive North at Blue Heron Way to Breakwater Path.

“We are delighted to partner with British Columbia to deliver this core piece of our bike and pedestrian network,” said Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Bryce Williams. “This links our emerging oceanfront trail network with our growing residential and commercial developments, and is an important piece of building a sustainable community at Tsawwassen First Nation. We would like to thank the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for their hard work and commitment to TFN's growth, in this and a number of other project areas."

BikeBC is the Province’s cost-sharing program that helps local governments build cycling projects that attract and support commuter, recreational and tourism cyclists and pedestrians. B.C. on the Move has committed $18 million over the next three years to the BikeBC program.

Since 2001, the B.C. government has committed almost $160 million for cycling infrastructure, creating new bicycle lanes and trails in over 100 communities throughout the province. Cycling contributes to increased physical activity and helps reduce greenhouse gases. This year’s projects cover a range of work, including bike lanes, multi-use trails and improvements to roads and highways to allow better shared use for cyclists.

B.C. on the Move is government’s new 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network. Over the next three years, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will invest almost $2.5 billion to improve British Columbia’s transportation.

(flickr.com)

Learn more:

For more information about Bike BC, visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling