Kamloops, British Columbia, October 28, 2011 – Cyclists and pedestrians now have a safer, more accessible way to get around, thanks to a new 1,485 metre, multi-use pathway along Singh Street.
Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, Terry Lake, Minister of the Environment and MLA for Kamloops–North Thompson, and Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar celebrated the official completion of the Singh Street Multi-Use Pathway project today at Fire Station #2, near the corner of Tranquille Road and Singh Street.
"This new pathway will not only allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of Kamloops, but it also greatly increases pedestrian and cyclist safety in the area," said MP McLeod, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "This project is an excellent example of how Canada's Economic Action Plan has invested in our community, created jobs, and boosted the local economy."
"This North Shore project is another great example of our partnership with the City of Kamloops to continue building sustainable neighbourhoods,"
said Minister Lake.
"The completion of this project shows the City's commitment to our overall pedestrian master plan by connecting our major trail networks,"
said Mayor Milobar. "It contributes to beautification of the area, inviting residents to walk, run, cycle or just get out and enjoy their neighbourhood."
The project is part of the City's overall plan to facilitate and encourage walking and cycling throughout the city. The multi-use pathway will provide a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists travelling between the Tournament Capital facilities at McArthur Island Park and Sports Event Centre and the Singh Street soccer fields, as well as the Rivers Trail network.
The pathway was constructed in three phases:
- Phase 1 included the construction of a three-metre wide asphalt pathway running from Parkcrest Avenue south to Tranquille Road, separated from the road by a two-metre wide landscaped boulevard, which was completed in 2009.
- Phase 2 was the construction of a three-metre wide asphalt pathway running east from Singh Street along the top of the riverbank alongside private property to the entrance of McArthur Island Park, completed in 2010.
- Phase 3 included the construction of a painted line pathway (extended asphalt shoulder) running from Tranquille Road south to the riverbank, connecting Phase 1 and Phase 2, completed in October 2011.
The governments of Canada and British Columbia jointly contributed $182,933 toward the eligible costs of the project. The City of Kamloops contributed the balance of the total project cost of $365,866.
Federal funding for this project comes from the Government of Canada's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. Part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is funding approximately 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. The federal government committed over $505 million to more than 440 projects across British Columbia under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
Provincial funding was provided through the $40 million LocalMotion program, which has funded 122 projects across British Columbia since 2007. These include vital pedestrian and cycling infrastructure projects that have promoted healthier, greener and more accessible communities, while creating jobs and stimulating the economy.
For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
Media Contacts:
Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Gillian Rhodes
Communications Manager
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 356 -6334
Jason Dixon
City of Kamloops
Engineering Development Supervisor
250-828-3454
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
