The Province is introducing a new Active Transportation Planning Grant, which will enable local governments to receive funding to incorporate or strengthen active transportation components of their community development plans.

In total, $600,000 will be available over two years for this program. This will help make cycling, walking and other forms of active transportation safe, accessible and convenient for people, while lessening climate pollution caused by greenhouse gases.

“Building well-connected, accessible and safe, active transportation routes will give British Columbians more opportunities to leave their cars at home,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Local governments play a significant role in network planning, and I’m pleased to offer this new grant to help communities incorporate active transportation into their road planning.”

The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) will administer the grant. To qualify for funding, applicants should demonstrate how proposed projects will support and integrate active transportation as part of their community planning and land-use planning process. Local governments with a population up to 25,000 that meet the grant criteria are eligible for up to $10,000 toward their active transportation planning costs.

“Building smart, connected communities where people can cycle and walk around their community is a priority for our government,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Grant programs like this one will help local governments better plan, design and build the infrastructure their communities need to help promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Applications will be open from Aug. 31, to Oct. 30, 2020.  

“As communities look to expand active transportation options, detailed planning is crucial,” said Maja Tait, UBCM president and mayor of the District of Sooke. “Transportation changes invariably have a wide range of impacts, so we are glad to see this provincial investment that supports the effective integration of new options for active travel.”

Providing support to ensure community planning addresses active transportation opportunities is an initiative of Move. Commute. Connect., B.C.'s Active Transportation Strategy. The strategy is part of CleanBC, a plan to help transform how people move around, while encouraging more active transportation in communities.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.'s emission targets.

Learn More:  

Learn more about the Active Transportation Planning Grant: https://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/funding/lgps/active-transportation.html

Learn more about B.C.'s strategy for more active transportation: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/active