People living in British Columbia’s northern region are benefiting from more than $11 million in transportation investments made to support the region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, more than 30 projects ranging from active transportation improvements and transportation upgrades in rural and remote communities, to climate adaptation projects have been completed. Throughout the province, more than 180 projects received economic recovery funding.
“Investment in our transportation infrastructure has never been more important as we focus on recovery from the pandemic,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “These infrastructure recovery projects are important for communities as they improve access to crucial services and provide good jobs that lay the foundation for strong economic growth.”
Through StrongerBC, the Province has provided:
- more than $1 million for projects focused on active transportation safety and access improvements on provincial right-of-ways. Projects included multi-use pathways and rail trails, highway crossings, transit stop improvements, sidewalk installations, lighting enhancements and shoulder widening that make active modes of transportation safer and more accessible;
- more than $4 million to support projects focused on climate adaptation to improve the resiliency of the region’s highway network and decrease the negative effects of climate events, including flooding, wildfires and erosion. Projects included riverbank erosion protection, creek channel training, culvert upsizing, flood protection works, slope erosion protection and avalanche system maintenance; and
- nearly $6 million to support projects focused on upgrading side and secondary roads in rural and remote communities. These projects were part of a $418-million investment to revitalize community infrastructure, enhance connections between communities and help get people back to work. Projects included paving, shoulder widening, lighting installation and crosswalk markings.
One project to receive funding was the District of Bulkley Nechako’s Cycle 16 Trail project. This three-phase project will build a paved path that connects Smithers and Telkwa with rural areas, making it easier and safer for runners, cyclists and others using alternative transportation.
“Safe and reliable transportation is critical for all British Columbians – especially for those of us living in the North,” said Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine. “That’s why our government has made so many significant investments in our region. Being active on trails, accessible public transit and good roads are what’s essential and necessary for our communities. We’ll continue to fight for more spending and projects to keep us moving.”
StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan is one of the ways government is working to support businesses impacted by the pandemic, while building toward a more innovative, sustainable and inclusive economic future.
Learn More:
Learn more about B.C.'s strategy for more active transportation: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-environment/active-transportation
Learn more about B.C.'s strategy for climate adaptation: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/climate-change/adaptation
Learn more about B.C.’s economic recovery plan, StrongerBC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/
A backgrounder follows.