Residents of Fort St. John can look forward to a new multi-use pathway that will improve safety and accessibility for cyclists, pedestrians and all active commuters.

“Cycling and walking helps people stay active and provides a more environmentally friendly way to get to work, school and community events. Bike infrastructure also supports tourism across the province,” said David Eby, MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey on behalf of Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Our government is pleased to support the City of Fort St. John with this project that will make a positive impact for people of all ages and abilities.”

The project will provide a three-metre-wide asphalt pathway to improve and connect existing trail networks from 96th Street to the Fish Creek Community Forest trailhead, the Northern Lights College and local sports fields. A new seating plaza at the trailhead will aid pedestrians, and a bike rack and repair station will benefit cyclists.

“Fort St. John is ‘The Energetic City’ for good reason – not only due to our resources industry, but also the vitality of our residents, who continue to bring a fresh spirit of exploration, innovation and connection to our community,” said Lori Ackerman, mayor of Fort St. John. “We’re thrilled this new multi-use pathway will bring even more accessibility to our community and will help people explore this beautiful part of the province.”

“The 96th Street multi-use pathway is a critical segment of our trail system that links our urban trails with the beautiful wilderness trails in the Fish Creek Community Forest. Projects like this increase trail connectivity and help us create a sustainable and resilient community. With the help of BikeBC funding, we are building a place to live, work and raise families,” said Moira Green, general manager of Community Services for the City of Fort St. John.

The pathway was made possible through the BikeBC program that cost shares cycling infrastructure projects with local governments to encourage healthy living and to help address climate change. This year, 29 grants have been awarded to communities throughout B.C., including three in the North: Fort St. John, Kitimat and Prince George.

Recently, the government introduced Move.Commute.Connect., B.C.’s Active Transportation Strategy, which is part of the CleanBC plan to cut pollution and make life better for people. The new strategy will build on the success of the BikeBC program to make walking, cycling, scootering, skateboarding and other modes of active transportation safe and convenient for people of all ages and abilities.

Quick Facts:

• BikeBC funding provides grants of up to 50% of total eligible project costs, and 75% for communities with populations under 15,000.
• BikeBC projects for northern B.C. are among 29 projects provincewide.
• The northern region is approved to receive BikeBC funding totalling nearly $500,000 for the following 2019-20 projects:
  • The City of Fort St. John is approved to receive $110,479 for the 96th Street multi-use pathway project.
  • The City of Prince George is approved to receive $354,252 for Phase 4 of the North Nechako Road Bike Lane Project.
  • The District of Kitimatis approved to receive $25,000 to develop a cycling network plan that addresses active transportation within the community.

Learn More:

For more information about cycling infrastructure funding in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/cycling-infrastructure-funding

Learn more about the Province's strategy for cleaner, more active transportation: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/active