Kamloops, British Columbia, June 5, 2012 - After much anticipation, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held today to officially open the Valleyview Interchange Multi-Use Pathway.
The new path connects Valleyview Drive with Battle and Columbia streets, and provides a link over the CP Rail track to the existing Rivers Trail. A key component of the City of Kamloops Bicycle Master Plan, this important pathway for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized vehicle users offers residents more sustainable travel options within the community.
"This project is a special one for me, particularly while we are celebrating Canadian Environment Week,” said the Honourable Terry Lake, Minister of Environment and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson. “I have watched it progress from my time as Mayor to now when I have responsibility for encouraging reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and creating compact, connected communities."
“I am delighted that this new pathway will promote active transportation and contribute to the health and well-being of families and residents of Kamloops for many years to come,” said Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo. “Today’s official opening is an excellent example of our government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure projects that create local jobs, promote sustainable growth and build strong, liveable communities.”
The new 1.1-kilometre-long, multi-use pathway runs along Valleyview Drive from Rose Hill Road to Nicola Street. A concrete barrier and an at-grade crossing at the westbound Trans-Canada Highway off-ramp safely separate path users from vehicles, and a pedestrian/cyclist overpass over the CP Rail tracks at 15th Avenue provides access to Rivers Trail.
The project also involved rehabilitating the existing steel retaining wall between the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) off-ramp and the CP Rail line, and constructing a new concrete retaining wall under the TCH overpass along Valleyview Drive.
“The multi-use pathway was a vital component in connecting downtown Kamloops with Valleyview and eastern Kamloops,” said Peter Milobar, Mayor of Kamloops. “It is an integral part of our Pedestrian and Trails Master Plan, and another step forward in establishing Kamloops as a greener city by encouraging alternative modes of transportation.”
The total cost of this project was $5.9 million, with $2.1 million contributed through Canada’s Gas Tax Fund. The Province of British Columbia contributed $2.7 million and the City of Kamloops contributed the remaining $1.1 million.
“As the transportation needs of communities shift, there is a need for new infrastructure to support those needs,” said Heath Slee, President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). “UBCM appreciates the support of the federal and provincial governments for this expansion of the cycling and pedestrian network in Kamloops.”
Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012 focuses on creating jobs, promoting economic growth and ensuring long-term prosperity for Canadians. Investing in public infrastructure is an important part of this strategy. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s leadership, and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 750,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. To learn more about the opportunities in Economic Action Plan 2012, visit www.budget.gc.ca/.
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Learn More:
For further information on 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.
For more information on cycling in British Columbia, visit www.th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC.
Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Maclean Kay
B.C. Liberal Government Caucus Communications
Victoria, British Columbia
Telephone: (250) 952-0778
jeff.melland@leg.bc.ca
Maclean.Kay@leg.bc.ca
Jason Dixon
City of Kamloops
Engineering Development Supervisor
Ph: 250-828-3454
jdixon@kamloops.ca
Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
UBCM
250-356-2938
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
